PBC disapproves ISPR DG’s ‘criticism’ of detailed verdict in Musharraf treason case

Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor says choice of words in the verdict is beyond basic values of religion and humanity

The apex body of Pakistani lawyers has strongly disapproved a statement of the chief military in which he has “criticized” the detailed judgment of the special court against former army chief Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf in the treason case.

The Pakistan Bar Council strongly “disapprove the statement of Director General ISPR, who has criticised the judgment of the special court whereunder the ex-Chief of the Army Staff and former President General (retd) Pervez Musharraf had been convicted of violating Article 6 of the Constitution and committing high treason,” PBC Vice-Chairman Amjad Ali Shah said in a statement on Thursday.

The military took strong exceptions to the detailed judgment, especially the “hanging for three days” rider to Musharraf’s death sentence, by a judge. “The detailed judgment, especially the choice of words, is beyond the values of religion, humanity and civilization,” Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor said at a media briefing on Thursday – shortly after the detailed verdict was issued.

In the detailed judgment, Justice Waqar Seth, the presiding judge of the special court, “directed the law enforcement agencies to apprehend the fugitive/convict to ensure that the punishment is inflicted as per law, and if found dead, his corpse be dragged to D-Chowk, Islamabad, and be hanged for 3 days”.

The apex lawyers’ body said the ISPR DG’s statement was “a clear cut violation of the legal and constitutional provisions and thus amounts to contempt of the court”.

It added that if there were some flaws in the verdict, then the law has provided a proper course for challenging it in the higher judicial forum.