High treason case against Musharraf: special court summons interior secretary for clarification

The Special Court summoned secretary interior on the next date of hearing to clarify whether the government has terminated or plans to end the services of present prosecution team in the high treason case.

A three-judge Special Court presided over by Justice Waqar Ahmed Seth and comprising Justice Nazar Akbar and Justice Shahid Kareem Thursday heard the federal government's complaint against former Chief of Army Staff Pervez Musharraf regarding high treason under Article 6 of the Constitution.

During the proceedings, it was informed to the court that the government has laid off the prosecution team. The head of the bench inquired from lead Prosecutor General Tariq Hassan, who was present in the court, whether he had received any notification that the prosecution team services are terminated. Tariq Hassan replied that so far he has not received any notification, but heard a rumour in this regard. Justice Nazar Akbar asked him to continue working till the time they get the notification. Justice Waqar questioned whether the prosecution team could be terminated in this manner. Tariq Hassan said that he had prepared the case whole night. He questioned under which law the services of the present prosecution team could be terminated.

Raza Bashir, who was appointed by the Special Court, again sought adjournment stating that he is still not feeling well. In the last hearing, the defence counsel had informed the court that he was suffering from dengue; therefore, he could not appear before the court.

The Special Court on August 22 had appointed Advocate Raza Bashir out of the list of 14 lawyers which the Ministry of Law and Justice submitted before the court.

The court accepting the application of Raza Bashir for adjournment gave him the last chance, saying more adjournment would not be granted.

The case was deferred until November 19.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019