IHC to resume Musharraf treason case today

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court will resume hearing the interior ministry and former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf’s pleas today.

Islamabad high court on Tuesday hearing directed the submission of the complete record of Special Court in the case while the Lahore High Court (LHC) admitted Musharraf’s plea for regular hearing.

A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Athar Minallah and comprising Justice Aamir Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard the case.

READ MORE: High treason case: LHC removes charges against Musharraf’s plea

During the hearing, Justice Minallah observed that only paragraph 16 was important in the petition filed by the interior ministry.

Sajid Ilyas Bhatti, Additional Attorney General (AAG) informed the bench about the details of the constitution of the prosecution team in 2013.

Justice Minallah asked the attorney general, “Do you know Supreme Court Orders?”

Additional Attorney General replied that he had received the case file and orders to appear before the court just 30 minutes before.

On this, The bench remarked that he was representing the federal government and should be aware of facts about the case.

READ ALSO: Musharraf challenges court’s verdict in high treason case

“How can you proceed without complete information?” asked Justice Minallah. The bench asked the AAG to call in someone who knew facts about the case. “A representative from the Ministry of Law and Justice, who knows the case,” he added.

Pervez Musharraf’s lawyer tried to argue but the bench stopped him and remarked that the court will first hear the petition of the interior ministry. “Pervez Musharraf has been declared a proclaimed offender as per the law,” Justice Minallah.

IHC later summoned secretary law and justice to appear before the court in person with complete records and adjourned the hearing.

A Special Court had reserved its verdict in the high-treason case against the former president, fixed to be announced on November 28.