Treason case: SC rejects plea to arrest Musharraf

Dawn.com Published April 9, 2013

General (retd) Pervez Musharraf. — File photo

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday adjourned hearing over the treason case against former military ruler Pervez Musharraf until April 15, DawnNews reported.

A two-judge bench of the apex court, comprising Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja and Justice Khilji Arif Hussain heard the case against the retired general seeking his trial under Article 6 of the Constitution for imposing the state of emergency in 2007.

The court rejected the request seeking the arrest of the former military ruler.

Musharraf did not personally appear in court and was represented by Advocate Ahmed Raza Kasuri.

Kasuri sought from the court six weeks' time from Musharraf to submit his response and said that Musharraf would reply to every point raised against him adding that certain hidden names would be revealed in the response.

The bench replied that it did not mind the pandora box to be opened and granted six days' time to submit his response, adjourning the hearing until April 15.

No one representing the federal government was present during the hearing.

Talking to media personnel prior to the hearing, Attorney General of Pakistan (AG) Irfan Qadir said that he would perform his duties according to the constitution during the case.

Musharraf’s Facebook account quoted him as saying that: “I have directed my panel of eminent lawyers to forcefully represent me in the Supreme Court of Pakistan tomorrow. These cases do not frighten me and I will fight all the cases in the court of law!”

Earlier on Monday, the bench had directed Musharraf to appear before it today (on Tuesday) to face charges of high treason and also barred him from leaving the country.

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Uza Syed

Apr 09, 2013 07:52am

Stop witch hunting. Don't convert our Supreme Court into a 'kangroo court'. It is a court of law and not some infamous den of mafiosos settling personal vendettas. So, please!

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pakiboy

Apr 09, 2013 07:59am

iss bench ko qarz utaro mulk sanwaro jaisee azeem treason nazar nahin atee ..

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JAVAID KHAN

Apr 09, 2013 08:04am

Mr Musharraf should realize that he is no longer in uniform and nor he is the president of the country.In addition he does not have public support.He should tone down his opinion while defending the case.This is called MAKAFAT E AMAL.He arrested JUDGES and now appearing before the same judges as an accuser.

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rabbani

Apr 09, 2013 08:11am

How can supreme court takes such an action on over petitions filed by anyone. The constitution clearly defines that this is the responsibility of the federation only!!!

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M. S. Alvi

Apr 09, 2013 08:31am

You are right. The SC is becoming police man in this case. It is vendetta.

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desert

Apr 09, 2013 08:41am

Here we have a SC that wants to be jack of all. It considers itself to be a defacto govt 'elected by Long march'. They are very Keen on opening certein polticial cases against certain politicians or parties.

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Michael Malcolm

Apr 09, 2013 08:49am

Let the law of the constitution apply and those who filed petition against Mushraff either are ignorant of the law or they are deliberately trying to force the issue. High Court Justice cannot be influenced. Let the Pandora Box open if the so called treason case is not thrown out. Mushraff is no coward. Before he came back he said he will face the court and he is doing so now. The saying is " If you speak the truth you will not forget" GOD be with him Inshallah.

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Kesar

Apr 09, 2013 08:50am

Here, we are talking about Pakistan. Anything is possible.

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Syed M Ahmed

Apr 09, 2013 09:04am

Because the Federation is now in Care-Taker mode and therefore it can waive its responsibility until the election of a new Government. Also, Musharaff is no fool. He has not come back to Pakistan without guarantees. You will see PML(N) & Nawaz Sharif will do nothing regarding Musharaf. Nawaz Sharif was summoned to Saudi Arabia before Musharaff came back and a deal was struck. PPP will do nothing because Musharaff helped PPP come to power. And as it is the Army will never allow one of its own to be insulted by the civilian government.

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MAlvi

Apr 09, 2013 09:06am

It is a vendetta case.

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Syed M Ahmed

Apr 09, 2013 09:08am

Supreme Court did not initate this case. This is not SuoMoto. Any one can file a case against anyone. 6 cases were filed against Musharaff by individuals.

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TZS

Apr 09, 2013 09:11am

Personal vendeta. Chief Justice legitimzed the dictators overthrow of a legitimate democratic government when he had the opportunity to made the Martial Law illegal in 1999 and allowed the general to even amend the constitution. Now he is a holy cow and untouchable. He should also be brought to justice and answer his actions. He should also answer the question, why it was PK in 1999 and not OK in 2007?

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Imran Yousufzai

Apr 09, 2013 09:26am

Federation! what federation ? Had Federation being working as per the constitution then we wouldn't have been in this ugly situation in which we are right now.

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Abdul khalique

Apr 09, 2013 09:26am

Nothing, only revenge.and politics by today heavy weights.

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Shahid

Apr 09, 2013 09:57am

Long Live Musharraf!!

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Gerry D'Cunha

Apr 09, 2013 10:04am

Musharraf by God's grace will be cleared from all blame game mess - PML(N) is playing this dirty politics to gain its bad reputation

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Parvez

Apr 09, 2013 10:14am

Before the court ventures out in the relm of judicial activism, it would do well if its own credibility were first established beyond a doubt.

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Noman

Apr 09, 2013 10:16am

It will be by the federation only! The petitioner wants the SC to ask the federation as to why or why not Article 6 should be applied. So SC is doing nothing wrong. If it is not determined at this stage then more dictator will come and go.

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Muhammad Farooq

Apr 09, 2013 10:24am

regardless musharraf is good or bad, these very same people who are opposing him tooth and nail today were his cronies yeasterday when Musharraf was in power. They are all worshoppers of the rising sun.

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Kashif

Apr 09, 2013 10:25am

This sentence make me laugh, "I will fight all the cases in the court of law!

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Anwar Qureshi

Apr 09, 2013 10:31am

Long live General Pervez Musharraf and welcome to Pakistani politics. "Pakistan First" and we need a sincere, dedicated and world acclaimed leader to run the affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. We want to see Pakistan again in the same but better condition in which you left Pakistan, Inshallah.

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Apr 09, 2013 10:38am

Musharraf is the Hero of Pakistan. He is bold , courageous, patriotic and true Pakistani unlike all the other so called leaders who are and still literally eating up Pakistan in the name of Democracy.

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Hanif

Apr 09, 2013 10:53am

Even if it is a vendetta case, still it deserves a fair hearing which shall have a long lasting effect on the future of Pakistani nation. God bless Pakistan

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Hanif

Apr 09, 2013 10:54am

Let the good sense prevail and justice should take its course. It is an important case for the future of the country. God bless Pakistan

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Amjad

Apr 09, 2013 11:00am

guess how much votes Musharraf can get if allowed to contest from Karachi, and other places?

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Amjad

Apr 09, 2013 11:01am

can he beat his opponents?

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samer

Apr 09, 2013 11:27am

It's all politics and revenge to put Musharraf behind jail. I would say Musharraf should open the pandora box enough is enough.

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nadeem

Apr 09, 2013 11:33am

a Military dictator violates his oath and without any legal right , arrests an elected Leader and send govt packing , he has to face consequences of his actions. if a thief or murderer break the law we expect to him to face the law why there are some people above the law and when courts take action why it is vendetta...

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M. S. Alvi

Apr 09, 2013 11:54am

It is so unfortunate that Pakistani nation does not know the difference between good and bad. Somebody said it is a nation of fools, and I agree.

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doraha

Apr 09, 2013 12:03pm

Agree. If the pandorah box is opened Many others and Nawaz Sharif will have to face consequences. What was the economic condition on Oct 12, 1999. Who called whom? So Musharaf Zindabad.....let the scenario be clear so that time wd facilitate smart, intelligent people to run the govt. an save Pakistan from extreme rightists including N.

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Bakhtawer BIlal

Apr 09, 2013 12:04pm

The law should be upheld. After having said that, SC can only order the arrest if the person is a prime minister. Despite all the boldness radiating, they know in which hole to put their hands in.

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saleem

Apr 09, 2013 12:10pm

it would be a silly thought that only one person staged the coup.why not the others people who were with him and specially those who endorsed his act that time.(Iftikhar choudry)

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Harris

Apr 09, 2013 12:31pm

I love Imran Khan and Pervez Musharraf!

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Raja

Apr 09, 2013 12:33pm

Pervez Musharraf is our next President of Pakistan. He is the ONLY one who can fix the mess in country.

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MRI

Apr 09, 2013 12:45pm

Enough to win from that constituency

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Malick

Apr 09, 2013 12:54pm

Only justice is required, nothing else, bench should be extended minimum to 9 justices, a complete justice is the need of Pakistan, pandora should be open, who ever is involved whether generals, politicians, civil society or any one else all should be punished, not only escape goat.

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Shahpur

Apr 09, 2013 12:59pm

A sense able decision by SC.

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Mirza Masood Sikander Baig

Apr 09, 2013 01:06pm

Masood Baig Let the justice prevail.

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Agha Ata (USA)

Apr 09, 2013 01:06pm

Musharraf should join Imran Khan.,

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Salim Akbani

Apr 09, 2013 01:22pm

The best way to deal with former dictators and future wannabe dictators, is to court martial Musharraf for violating his oath to the constitution he swore allegaince to. Then convict him, strip him of his rank, give him a dishonorable discharge, cancel his pention and impose heavy fines on him (seizing his properties). Then go back and do the same with prior dictators like Zia, Yahya, Ayub abd Sikander and take away pension benefits from their survivors. If you want to stop future dictatorships, go back and pull it out from its roots, all the way back to 1955.

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Salim Akbani

Apr 09, 2013 01:24pm

BTW. I do like him personally. He made a very wrong move. He also blundered badly in Kargil.

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shamim

Apr 09, 2013 01:27pm

I think we are selfish nation and not taking care of those who dont have any corruption charges, musharraf has done nothing wrong but for the betterment of country, what about EC role as far as article 63 is concerned, majority of so called big leaders papers would not accept as they digest billions of rupees of this nation. God save Pakistan. Army needs to do something for the country

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Ahmed

Apr 09, 2013 01:30pm

Long Live Musharraf - in prison. So he has enough time to reflect upon the damage he has done to Pakistan with his love for power.

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Aamir

Apr 09, 2013 01:39pm

If Musharaf is hero? - well then be ready to face with one more hero in the pipe line. That hero could be in the Military Academy today but planning to be president tomorrow. This is our country and if you want to run this country by dictators then good luck. Democracy is the only solution, democratic system will flush all corrupt politicians if we all pakistani start voting for the good leaders. Elections are just around the corner and best time to go out and vote if you want to get rid of old corrupt people.......

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Abid

Apr 09, 2013 01:57pm

Supreme Court should not have to involve itself in personal vendettas cases. Anyone can file petition against any one. It is a time to Protect Pakistan from ruling thieves. And let honorable Musharaff to take part in election from any seat he wishes to. He is honest and true nationalist and intelligent leader after father of the nation honorable Qaid-e- Azam. It will be bad luck of Pakistan if Musharaff is denied to take part in election. Pakistan cannot afford to let this opportunity get by.

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jamalahasan

Apr 09, 2013 02:26pm

no doubt he was brave leader , but this country cannt forgive him fr his crimes by doing action on LAAL masjid and giving us the gift of drones which he signed with BUSH.

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desert

Apr 09, 2013 02:42pm

yes, I want also that dude also punished who validated his 1999 take over. If that is not Happening i would call this only as political victemization and vendatta, which will have to be answered in same language, via same tactics.

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fawadak@gmail.com

Apr 09, 2013 02:47pm

And that was just one fool they were referencing which were you. Not us. The people of this country are smart and understand the situation, it is just matter of time and we will rise and make a better living for all of us. Musharraf did the right thing whatever he did other than few mistakes. But he was and still loyal to this country.

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Shaduram

Apr 09, 2013 02:51pm

By the way.... Wasn't the General in the air when the Govt. was over thrown? I do not believe that he actually ordered that particular action. But who cares. In the land of the (im)pure, you are guilty until proven innocent. And by the way, didn't the. Chief Take the oath as the CJ of the country under the General? And didn't many many judges do the same? I don't believe one can prove the guilt in any of the accusations. But let us credit Nawaz Sharief.

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HM, Canada

Apr 09, 2013 03:31pm

Good ...Quite surprise to see so much support for Musharraf. SC should note that this is a political case... of personal vendetta. It should be thrown out...

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Urooj khan

Apr 09, 2013 04:21pm

As I read the comments I see that he has immense public support ,,but it appears only in comment boxes ,as the media has its own preferences ,,he knows he is a common man ,listen to his answers ,he came back , had appeared after court earlier , ,,in general people look up to him with respect ,,,I feel sorry for our media too ,,,will show great honor towards a cheap bollywood actor but ll redecule our great ppl ,like musharaf ,,,shame on them ..

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Mohammed Rahmatullah

Apr 09, 2013 05:54pm

Are you talking about Nawaz Sharif, who attacked the Supreme Court during his time?

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nabiha

Apr 09, 2013 06:06pm

btw, whats troubling me is that, high treason law was added after the 18th amendment, right? and mush's illustrious coup d'etat happened before that, so doesnt that fall under protection against retrospective punishment? in fundamental rights?

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Bakka

Apr 09, 2013 10:23pm

Some of the charges aganist Dictator Musharraf: Illegal confinment of Chief Justice in Army house (CJ was grabbed by his hair and illegally confined as he refused to resign). Failure to provide security to Benazir Bhutto (when she landed at Karachi Airport and was going home 260 people were killed). Murder of Akbar Bugti Killing of innocent (including children) in Lal? Masjid incident. How strange that on his return neither Musharraf is arrested nor harmed.

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Ernest( Australia)

Apr 10, 2013 02:08am

I totaly agree with you Syed M Ahmed long live Musharaff long live Pakistan

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hashim

Apr 10, 2013 08:11am

Pervez Musharraf we are with you!

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shado

Apr 10, 2013 06:30pm

I recomend to read the book, which was recently publish here in US. The way of the knife by Matt Mazzetti on the CIA post attacks; he has revealed some secrets and how musharraff has allowed drone and others from 2002 and more 2004. This book has been recently published and all will be upfront - then i will ask if pakistani were with him or against him.

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ABDEALI NAFAR

Apr 10, 2013 07:06pm

In all fairness , in fact decency suggest , that we all should address our ex-President with full dignity. He ruled our country for 8 long years with his much trumpeted PAKISTAN FIRST ---leaving behind him his personal interest. There are no skeletons in his cupboard and in fact one of the very few Ex Presidents in our chequered history where he can be tainted with corruption and building a fortune for himself. He might have erred in few of the decisions taken but it was not meant to stick on to the Presidency.Under his sagacity and foresight, he brought stability in the country, curbed unemployment ,firmed up the Re-USDollar parity, allowed FDI to pour in and reined in inflation. Last but certainly not the least Pakistans image was improved and we did not become a banana republic. In spite of the various achievements if we or our vocal media and the civil society does not give credit to our Ex-President, Gen Retd PERVEZ MUSHARRAF, THEN SORRY TO SAY WE go by the herds mentality and as an illeterate society unable to distinguish between the good and the bad

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M Rafique

Apr 11, 2013 04:25am

You must be a witness in this cases

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