Do not take SC for granted, CJP to Musharraf

Counsel’s plea for in-chamber presentation of ex-president's medical report accepted

ISLAMABAD: The counsel for Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday informed the Supreme Court that he could not come to Pakistan due to ‘severe health issues’, which could not be revealed in the open court.

Akhtar Shah, the counsel for Musharraf, requested the three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar to allow him to share his client’s medical report in-chamber. The bench accepted his plea to present the medical report in his chamber.

During the hearing, the bench questioned Musharraf’s absence in the treason case.

“Musharraf had previously stated that he would appear before the Supreme Court. If Musharraf does not appear, then he may be forced to come which will be disgraceful for him,” said the top judge.



He reiterated the former ruler would be provided security upon his return and assured that he would not be arrested. “Later, law will take its own course,” he added.

The counsel inquired about the charges against his client and said Musharraf had been nominated in the Lal Masjid case wherein he acted as the army chief on the request of the federal government.

The chief justice said, “Musharraf should know that the Supreme Court is the highest court of the country and take it seriously.”

The chief justice said Musharraf should show courage to face the courts since he is a commando.

He added both Musharraf and former finance minister Ishaq Dar were in a self-exile and are not complying with the court’s order. The court then adjourned the hearing of the case till October 11

On August 29, the special court conducting the treason trial of former president Pervez Musharraf was informed by the interior secretary that the Interpol Agency refused to issue a red warrant for the former military ruler.



Elaborating Interpol’s refusal, Interior Secretary Yousaf Shamim Khokhar told the court that the agency said that it does not issue red warrant in political cases.

The special court asked all parties including the government to assist that whether statement of accused under section 342 CrPC could be recorded through video link. Likewise the court also sought assistance that whether the trial could be concluded in the absence of accused. The hearing of case will resume on October 9.