Pakistan

APML term Musharraf's indictment in treason case 'monumental injustice'

Treason trial conflicts with fundamental principles of international law, right to fair trial, says Chaudhry Kahlon.

Our Correspondent April 01, 2014

Former president Pervez Musharraf. PHOTO: REUTERS

LAHORE: The All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) protested against the Special Court's decision to charge former president Pervez Musharraf for treason due to the imposition of emergency law in 2007.

In a statement following the verdict of the court, Chaudhry Sarfraz Anjum Kahlon, political advisor to Musharraf, termed the indictment a “monumental injustice."

"The treason trial conflicts with the fundamental principles of international law and the right to a fair trial, free from political interference and manipulation," he said.

“The treason trial simply amounts to a politically managed show which is being carried out at the behest of the prime minister on grounds of a personal vendetta."

The Special Court in Islamabad had formally indicted former military ruler on March 31 under article 6 of the Constitution. Musharraf pleaded not guilty to the treason trial and denied all charges levelled against him.

During the hearing yesterday, the former president had said that "I am being called a traitor, I have been chief of army staff for nine years and I have served this army for 45 years.".

"I have fought two wars and it is treason?" he had added.

COMMENTS (3)

Shaikh Mohommad | 10 years ago | Reply The charges against Musharraf are that he [1] issued an order holding the Constitution of Pakistan in abeyance [2] he empowered himself to amend the constitution and suspended Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution. [3] he changed the oath of office of judges resulting in removal of judges.[4] on 20 November 2007 he amended the Constitution [5] on 14 December he further amended the constitution We should not enter into pro or anti Musharraf discussions. Here we are discussing the fact that a country's constitution was ignored. Should we allow a person to ignore the law of the land simply because he has got power of the Army behind him? The answer to this question is important for the governance of this country and the rights of its citizens. If we allow a person to usurp the power and act in violation of the law of the land, we will open this country to future such scenarios where a person or group of person usurp the power and ignore the wishes of the people enshrined in the constitution. It is right that such violations are taken note of and suitable sentence is passed. This will serve the interest of this country. Long live Constitution Long Live Pakistan For full details refer to http://tribune.com.pk/story/689495/musharraf-treason-trial-statement-of-formal-charges/

mudassar | 10 years ago | Reply

he should be tried as per law. what he did back in 2007 was unjustified and illegal. the arena of these super machos should end.

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