ATC issues arrest warrant for Musharraf

Police ordered to present him before the court on Oct 1

ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) issued on Friday non-bailable warrants of arrest against the former president General Pervez Musharraf in the judges’ detention case.

ATC-II judge, Sohail Ikram, issued warrants after a counsel of the former president sought exemption for a day on medical grounds. However, the counsel failed to submit a medical report along with the application, despite repeated orders.

On dismissal of his exemption application for Friday, the police was ordered to arrest and present the suspect before the court on October 1.

Legal proceedings have been initiated against General Pervez Musharraf for detaining over 60 judges, including the former chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. The judges were detained after proclamation of a state of emergency in the country.

On Friday, Special Public Prosecutor Aamir Nadeem Tabish informed the court that three witnesses, including two investigation officers – Qaiser Gilani and Ghulam Kiyani – had to record their statement. However they could not appear in court as the former has gone to perform Hajj while the latter was on medical leave.

While talking to The Express Tribune, Tabish said that Gilani was the one who has submitted all the charge sheets in the case so far. He added that 17 out of total 46 witnesses have so far recorded their testimonies in the case. Following the hearing, the case was adjourned till Oct 1.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 12^th,  2015.