ISLAMABAD (Staff Report) – A special court hearing a high treason case against former military ruler Pervez Musharraf has remarked how his name was removed from ECL without the court’s permission.
The high treason case against Musharraf came up for hearing on Thursday before a special court, headed by Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel and comprising Justice Tahira Safdar and Justice Yawar Ali.
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The court expressed resentment over absence of Pervez Musharraf from the court and inquired from prosecutor Muhammad Akram Sheikh.
“We will see the accused later. First tell us whether the authorities were unaware of court’s orders. How Musharraf’s name was removed from ECL without the court orders,” the judges said.
“Was it not in the knowledge of the government that the special court had summoned Pervez Musharraf. If the government was unaware of it then why was not the court informed,” they questioned.
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The prosecutor replied that the court could cancel the bail and issue arrest warrants. Surety bonds given by guarantor of Musharraf could be confiscated, he said.
“The statement of Musharraf can be recorded through video link if court allows this,” he added.
The interior secretary, who was summoned by the court, also recorded his statement. He told the court that Musharraf’s name was removed from ECL keeping in the light of the law and he was allowed to go abroad under the orders of Supreme Court.
Read more: SC allows Musharraf to go abroad
The court remarked that the case could not move ahead further in the absence of the accused.
The court sought written reply from Musharraf and his guarantor, Rashid Qureshi.
The court further remarked that Musharraf’s guarantor should present the former president in the court or his surety bonds would be confiscated.
