ISLAMABAD – A special court in Islamabad cancelled former president Gen Musharraf’s right of defence due to his continued absence before the court in the high treason case.
During the hearing on Wednesday, a three-judge bench headed by Justice Tahira Safdar also rejected Pervez Musharraf’s plea for adjournment of the hearing of the case although Musharraf’s counsel Salman Safdar said that the former military dictator was “fighting for his life” and was not physically or mentally capable of returning to the country.
Safdar admitted that he was embarrassed by repeatedly submitting requests to adjourn the case’s hearing, contending that his client was rapidly losing weight, and was unable to walk and used a wheelchair.
Musharraf was having heart chemotherapy because of which his health had deteriorated, argued the lawyer.
To this, Justice Safdar remarked that the Supreme Court had issued a verdict in this regard, however, Safdar pleaded that the request be accepted on the basis of compassion.
On the other hand, the prosecutor’s lawyer Dr Tariq Hassan argued that the court had given Musharraf the chance to give his statement through a video link, opposing the adjournment.
The court rejected the adjournment request by Musharraf’s counsel.
While speaking to the media, Musharraf’s lawyer said that his client was unwell and was wheelchair bound.
“If the doctor gives him permission, he will certainly come to Pakistan,” he said.
Musharraf is facing a treason trial under Article 6 of the Constitution as well as Section 2 of the High Treason Act on a complaint moved by the federal government.
On April 1, the Supreme Court had directed the special court to proceed with the trial on the next date of hearing (May 2) and in case the former president surrendered and appeared before it, he would be entitled to record his statement.
However, the court ruled that if he [Musharraf] failed to appear, being a PO (proclaimed offender), the special court was empowered to proceed against him even in his absence under Section 9 of the High Treason (Punishment) Act, 1973.
