Lawyer Ahmed Raza Kasuri, representing former president Pervez Musharraf, makes a victory sign alongside supporters after Musharraf's case hearing in Islamabad on February 18, 2014. PHOTO: AFP
Instead, the special court issued a short order stating that the former president would face indictment upon his second appearance in court and that he would soon be ordered to appear in court again. The hearing was postponed till tomorrow.
The former military strongman was met with applause from his advocates as he arrived in court today. He left the court shortly afterwards.
During the hearing, Musharraf sat in a witness box and stood briefly when addressed by the judge, but did not speak. Asked afterwards how he was feeling, he told AFP that he was "good".
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Musharraf’s advocate Ahmed Raza Kasuri reiterated that all other requests should be held off until a decision is made about the competence of the special court to try this case.
He stated that a decision will be made on February 21 about whether Musharraf should be tried by a military court or a civil court.
Earlier, Musharraf’s lawyers had guaranteed that he would appear before the court on February 18 (today).
Musharraf faces treason charges under Article 6 for suspending, subverting and abrogating the Constitution, imposing an emergency in the country in November 2007 and detaining judges of the superior courts.
The 70-year-old retired general was hospitalised at the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) in Rawalpindi. He was rushed to the AFIC and admitted there over a month and a half ago, after he complained of chest pain en route to the court.
Security arrangements
Stringent security arrangements were made for the 23-km journey from the AFIC to the special court which has been set up in the National Library in Islamabad.
Musharraf travelled to the court today even though his doctor had reportedly advised against it.
His security protocol left from gate number one of AFIC and travelled on Mall Road, Airport Road and Express Highway to make its way to the special court.
A medical protocol was also ready in case of any health emergency the former president may face. Sharp shooters were in place on the route and a vehicle with the ability to detect and defuse bombs as well as jam signals traveled with Musharraf to the court to ensure his safety.
Traffic on Mall Road had been blocked and only vehicles that are part of Musharraf’s security were being allowed near the hospital.
Patients too were not allowed to enter through gate number one, and were redirected to other entrances of the hospital.
COMMENTS (68)
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@Rex Minor: Nice try, Mr. Minor!!!
@Soccor: Really?
@Afroz: You must be dreaming during the day because the security personnel deputed to secure Musharraf's route outnumbered his trolls!
@excalibur: "A military victory by Musharraf was squandered by the weakling Nawaz at the feet of Clinton in accepting a ceasefire Shame on him." So let there be an independent inquiry to find out who is responsible for the Kargil debacle and who is to blame for the casualties of Pak forces. This should be followed by an exemplary punishment for the offender.
@excalibur: No! You are wrong. I do not need your certification for being Pakistani. Musharraf had ordered NS to Washington to negotiate ceasefire as the Commando had information of the Indian forces getting ready to open other fronts. In the post-war period, that is, since 1945 borders cannot be changed just with force. And, this is what Clinton told to Musharraf and Tarar on his visit to Pakistan. Diplomatic preparation and molding of international public opinion is a must before such enterprises. Look at how Indira Gandhi took a diplomatic tour to curry favor, with the West in particular, before Indian aggression against Pakistan in 1971.
@ Sunder sapna and patriotic Pakistani
Apparently you are one and the same person and from India
Pakistan had absolute control over 5 of the 7 mountain peaks at Kargill and milittarily is an impregnable position . with winters to follow soon thereafter the Indian acccess to siachen would have been choked and severed.
To distract by citing about the rubbish of economic fallout ( no money for spindles ) or a boomerang effect is Quixotic. Indian Army was held by its jugular and body bags were countless.
A military victory by Musharraf was squandered by the weakling Nawaz at the feet of Clinton in accepting a ceasefire Shame on him
@assad: If, as you, say, India has crossed international borders before, don't you think India would have done it again to lessen pressure on the Kargil front? Wouldn't it have led to a wider conflagration with unpredictable consequences? Do you think Pakistan would have international support on Kargil? Without economic sustainability, and without international support, do you think Pakistan might have been able to maintain its control of Kargil? If your answers are in the negative, then you must admit that Kargil was a misadventure and if Musharraf did it by making NS acquiesce then he should be held to account for it.
“You are most likely an Indian, but even those Pakistanis who doubt Pakistan’s action at Kargil need to realize that Indians have done whatever they needed by force of arms in the past.” Brother, I am Pakistani. I am only for such action which does not boomerang. Pakistan was not ready for Kargil, as if you just look at the international configurations, Pakistan could not sustain Kargil, neither could Pakistan sustain economic sanctions, as it already had a big balance of payments deficit and it could not even import spindles to keep running its textile industry, worth any name. Moreover, the civilian government and the Army should be on the same page if any such operation, (actually it was going to be a misadventure) takes place. You yourself have said that India has attacked us across international boundaries, so why was it not taken into consideration when Kargil was launched. Had ceasefire not been arranged, India was again planning to attack us through Punjab and Sindh. And, mind you, 1999 was no 1971 as both the antagonists were armed to the teeth with nuclear weapons. Had the war widened the best result in favor of Pakistan would have been a stalemate with Pakistan having to withdraw from Kargil, nevertheless. The worst result would have been nuclear catastrophe.
@assad: “You are most likely an Indian, but even those Pakistanis who doubt Pakistan’s action at Kargil need to realize that Indians have done whatever they needed by force of arms in the past.”
Brother, I am Pakistani to the core of my being. I am only for such action which does not boomerang. Pakistan was not ready for Kargil, as if you just look at the international configurations, Pakistan could not sustain Kargil, neither could Pakistan sustain economic sanctions, as it already had a big balance of payments deficit and it could not even import spindles to keep running its textile industry, worth any name. Moreover, the civilian government and the Army should be on the same page if any such operation, (actually it was going to be a misadventure) takes place. You yourself have said that India has attacked us across international boundaries, so why was it not taken into consideration when Kargil was launched. Had ceasefire not been arranged, India was again planning to attack us through Punjab and Sindh. And, mind you, 1999 was no 1971 as both the antagonists were armed to the teeth with nuclear weapons. Had the war widened the best result in favor of Pakistan would have been a stalemate with Pakistan having to withdraw from Kargil, nevertheless. The worst result would have been nuclear catastrophe.
People of Pakistan have finally got tired of this lootocracy and have realized that Musharraf era was far better than the post Musharraf era. Musharraf gave us international recognition, respect and economic power and got us rid from IMF.
The great Musharraf circus continues. Welcome to the land of great army-general actors, subservient courts and ever lasting dramas.
@David Nook: Are you, by any means, blaming Gen. Musharraf for this extravagance? This kind of stupidity is rampant in this so called democracy. We see closing of roads in the movement of the VIPs and the public is 'very ordinary' who pays for all this regalia.
@Wahas Ahmed: Your comment "So finally the rat comes out of hole" is deplorable. That "rat" is a decorated Pakistani general who fought in 3 wars for you and I to be able to speak our minds. And that "hole" is a military hospital that happens to be the best cardiac unit in Pakistan. Shows where your allegiance lies.
Musharraf Zinda Baad !
@Sunder Sapna: What Musharraf did in Kargil had to be done just like what Pakistan had to do in 1948, 65 and 84. Nothing to be ashamed of if the Indians shamelessly attacked Pakistan in 1971 across the International Boundary (IB) and have no regrets and qualms about it.
You are most likely an Indian, but even those Pakistanis who doubt Pakistan's action at Kargil need to realize that Indians have done whatever they needed by force of arms in the past. They changed the situation on the ground at Siachen when it suited them. They took action in 1971 when Pakistan had an internal insurgency and back-stabbed us so why is there so much remorse over the beating meted out to the Indians at Kargil?
What goes around comes around. They themselves set the precedence by interfering in in Pakistan's internal affairs in 1971 by crossing the International boundary and invading Pakistan. All of Pakistan's pre-emptive actions against India have been across the LoC or the disputed boundary. Never through the recognized international borders. Yet India had no qualms about invading us across this very same border in 1971.
So why shed any tears over Kargil? Pakistan will do what it must in the face of Indian intransigence in Kashmir.
Anti-climax of the whole drama.....!!!!
@MS: Gullible idiots are fooled by Musharraf’s bravery and patriotism.
@Pakistani Patriot:
You have a point Sir! Anyone who shows up casualy in a Pakistani court every now and then cannot be a coward.! This has been the Principle of Pakistan army as well to shoot across the line of control at the Indian army posts every now and then to show them that Pakistan military is not coward and is ready to defend the countrys borders!
Rex Minor.
I ask every Pakistani to honestly ask him/her self that Pakistan was more safer at the time of Pervez Mushraf or it is now in last six years. I still remember when he said in end his last speech "Pakistan ka Allah hi hafiz hey" and unfortunately it becomes true
Pro Musharraf supporters clearly out number on any media platform including here. However on the ground, there are just too many idiots to compete against. Long Live Musharraf. We dont deserve you.
One gets the impression that there are people who want to make a hero out of the villain, others want to hold him to account for what he realy is, a despot who rode roughshod on Pakistans institutions including the judiciary and caused the deaths of thousands countrymen. Pakistan can hardly afford to have a crowd of worshippers or of a lynching mob. Let the justice takes its course. In any case he must be stripped of his military titles and face the justice as a civilian.
Rex Minor
I salute the brave, sincere, patriotic, visionary and great PM... Love you Sir
Down with Musharraf, period.
Musharraf drove our sovereignty into dust by going into Kargil by subduing Nawaz’s opposition and got Pak soldiers humiliated by having to withdraw. Kargil was poorly planned without taking into consideration the probability of a widening of war between two nuclear rivals. He got our very loyal army discredited by his misadventure. The Commando was the one who was making decisions as he ordered Sharif to Washington in July 1999 to negotiate for a ceasefire, which NS did dutifully. But Sharif was scared of going back to Pakistan as on the one hand he feared a backlash from religious hardliners and on the other he feared a military coup. Thus, NS let his immediate family stay back in Washington for some time. The coup was silent from July to October when it became apparent whence NS tried to replace Musharraf. Musharraf did Kargil to set the stage for his takeover. His design was that the failure could be blamed on NS, whereas if victorious he would ride to power on wave of popularity. He did things for personal power by using the phony slogan of Pakistan first.
Solute to Mr. General God bless you. Pakistan Zindabad
The best defense his lawyer could provide to the court would be an certified affidavit that Mr Parvez Musharaf is no longer a citizen of Pakistan. Therefore, he can no longer be tried on a charge of Treason. Basta. the prosecution case dismissed and subject closed. The prosecution will have to improvise something new to try him and in the meantime he will be out of the court jurisdiction! Mr Musharaf could be treated as a legionaire, the soldier of fortune who served Pakistan. Those foreigners who serve in the French Legion receive such a status in France.
Rex Minor
Hail to the chief! Now at least all those mouths will be silent who claimed Musharraf to be a coward facing courts, although he has been appearing in courts over fake cases ever since he arrived back in Pakistan. This is a topi drama by the Sharif government to distract the public from real issues of total corruption and mismanagement.
Musharraf is the true patriot of this nation, a brave leader who is the only one in our history who came back to get his name cleared in courts, because he knows he has not done any thing wrong and what ever he did was for the betterment of the country.
Cant we do muzakarat with mush and have an APC on that
@David Nook: - "Wow. Who is paying for all of this."
Obviously, Mr. Nawaz Shareef should pay from his personal pocket. He is one of the beneficiaries of this drama. There are others too, but if I mention their names this comment won't be published.
@Truth Told: That is when there is no other option! Wrong because the court has not yet decides its eligibility to charge Musharraf. The court will decides on Feb 21, 2014.
@sabi:
Mr. Musharraf is not responsible for what is happening now. It is the CJP Iftekhar Chawdhry who is responsible coz he did not punish any of the hundreds of taliban caught. Second Musharraf time economy was fine people still remember his time. IMF was said goodbye but the political dictators Zardari and Nawaz Sharif borrowed so much loan which we did not borrowed in the last 60 years together. Inspite of all loan people are still miserable coz the loan money went into the mismanagement and into the politicians pockets. Is there anyone who will challanged them for accountable of all the loans where it went.
Love you Musharaf from UK...
proud son of nation.........sir Musharraf whole nation is proud of you............greatest ever leader in the nations history...............noora and Zardaris will be wetting their pants,all of you crooks,the countdown starts now,
@Sabi: All of the problems we we are suffering now is due the Mullah's productions(Militancy) not Musharraf, If he was still in power the menace of militancy would have been eradicated.
@ Caresless Whispers No need to be fussy on the comment of " @Mian Arif Sattar :" You can read and assume the comment as : " He is the real Hero and Father of the nation…... After the demise of Quaid-e-Azam "
Millions of Pakistani were gathered in Court to pay tribute to Commando and Kasuree was leading the crowd abudantly potray by the picture.
my Love for Musharraf is getting stronger and stronger! really.
It was a tight slap on many faces... yet the court is unlawful, Musharraf submitted himself to majesty of Law...
Bravo General Musharraf, I assume you the ultimate patriotic and sincere Pakistani in the whole history of Pakistan. Allah may Bless you...
So after almost two months the General appears in Court, and the Court wastes in time in letting him go... again. Much ado about nothing.
Good news - unfortunately our people forget, every time in crises they have called army when the crises are over they start defaming army and their generals. if we make survey, 90% Pakistanis today will request army to save our country - only 10% nonleggy dislike this idea.
@Mian Arif Sattar: The last time i checked Quaid Azam was father of the nation... changing father of the nation here arent we.... :)
@lalai: Land of law....!!!!! Nice one.....;-)
@salim: Though slowly the law is going to entangle the violators, just wait and see.
Musharraf will emerge victorious - fake cases have no feet. People have already rejected these cases accept a few puppets.
@Tariq Chakwali: Pakistani army dignity goes down the drain when it conquarrs its own country instead of being defeated time and again by the enemy. It goes down the drain when it involves itself in real estate business and so forth. Change your colored lenses.
Musharraf Commando proved again ... He is true Pakistani leader.. Now, All detractors have no words. All those who are saying that Musharraf should tried in treason case.. where were they when your polictians and ambassador of Pakistan Hussain Haqqani did memo scenario and deceived Pakistan and its army. He wrote letter to Americans against Pakistan.. That is not considered as treason case, because that was politician.. shame on you..
It is clear that the Sharif Government is trying to settle scores with Musharraf over the 1999 coup. Nevertheless, what Sir Musharraf did during his reign was all in the interest of Pakistan. Whether, it be the Bugti's case or the military attack on the red mosque. All his actions were for the sovereignty of Pakistan
Who is doing that dancing?
@lalal
You must be joking! 'Land of Law' in this land of murder and mayhem without accountability?
We need Musharraf back in power - who knows very well how to deal with terrorists and the enemies of Pakistan. Pakistan is bleeding under the demoncracy. God bless our hero and savior of Pakistan.
Gen Musharaf proved it again that he is true Pakistani citizen and now the Black sheeps should abandoned the case of victamization and Mr Nawaz Sharief should not go for his personal ego to let down Pamistan Army's dignity and the stop using the entire machinery for anti Pakistani purposes.
To save cost, the court should be established within the hospital premises. Or Musharaff should attend the court via conference.
It would be worth comparing his security with that provided to Benazir on her return.
Good Luck General Musharraf! May Allah protect you, Amen! Regards Your's Sincere Well Wisher/Supporter
Court must not waste time to indict him on his appearance in court.Pakistan is burning because of him he must not escape the justice.
So finally the rat comes out of hole
A slap on the face of all Musharraf detractors. Well Done General
He is the real Hero and Father of the nation...
Wow. Who is paying for all of this. Even heads of state do not get this security.He should sell his luxury flats in London and pay for this security. I find Pakistan courts have been very lenient with him during the trail for high treason.
Mariya dhol spahiya tenu rab dhian rakhaan..
WELCOME TO THE LAND OF LAW.