Judgement 'unconstitutional': government

The Special Court's verdict against Gen Pervez Musharraf (retd) is void as it was passed without giving proper right of audience to him. Addressing a press conference along with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan said the judgement is unconstitutional and even termed this a deviation from the Constitution as the mandatory requirements of Article 10 A, which guarantees fair trial, have been ignored. He further said according to the Article 10 (A) of the Constitution, fair trial is right of every citizen of the state but Pervez Musharraf was convicted in absentia.

He said the independence of court does not mean that an accused should be deprived of his fundamental rights. He said that it is miscarriage of justice that an accused is not given a chance to submit evidence.

He said that the order of the court is still awaited and the Special Court said that it would be issued in 48 hours. He said once the order is signed and passed, it becomes public property but the court has overlooked the request.

He further said the complaint against Musharraf was filed without completing codal formalities, investigations and prosecution were flawed and when the government changed the prosecution team, the Special Court expressed displeasure and concluded the trial without giving reasonable time to new prosecution team.

Responding to questions, he said the trial delayed for six years because of certain anomalies in the process and filing of miscellaneous applications.

In response to a question that since he was a lawyer of Gen Musharraf and being attorney general he is still speaking against the verdict, Khan replied that Musharraf had removed him from the defense team and therefore he is not speaking in his favor rather he is pointing out irregularities in the case.

He said he is addressing the press conference being an attorney general. He said that after perusal of judgment he will decide the next legal course.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said that army has extended exemplary support to the incumbent government of PTI and rendered great services for national interest.

She said that army being a sacred institution should not be politicized. She further said that such decisions against a national institution are against the national solidarity. She further said Pakistan Army has been rendering unmatched sacrifices for regional peace and stability.

She said that harmony among the institutions is needed, adding, "It is the need of the hour to boost the morale of our soldiers." She further said, "We are trying to overcome challenges through joint civil-military efforts."