Special court summons Musharraf on May 2By NewsdeskISLAMABAD: A special court has summoned former president Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf to appear before it on May 2 to testify in a High treason case and hinted at ordering action if he fails to show up in court.In a hearing on Thursday, the special court judge observed the court would issue an “appropriate order” regarding Musharraf’s testimony if he failed to show up on the next date of hearing. Musharraf’s counsel, Suleman Safdar, told the court that his client wanted to appear on May 13, saying the former president was suffering from a rare ailment and was undergoing chemotherapy — for which he has to stay in hospital for eight hours a day. He said Musharraf was also suffering from a spinal issue after he fell down in the bathroom.At this, the judge remarked: “By that time it would be the month of Ramadan — during which the availability of judges would be difficult. If the former president is serious to return to the country, he can come on May 2 as well.”The court also handed over a questionnaire to Musharraf’s counsel, who also requested the court to provide a complete record of the High treason case against his client. To this, the court asked the counsel to submit a proper application in this regard.The counsel argued his client was not an absconder, rather, the federal government allowed him to travel for medical treatment. To this, the judge observed the court had noted these arguments.The lawyer also gave the references of the Supreme Court’s remarks regarding a British army dictator, to which the special court stopped the counsel from commenting on this and directed him to only argue about his case.Musharraf’s counsel opposed the option of recording the former president’s statement through Skype. He also opposed the trial option in the absence of his client. The counsel then submitted a separate application to the court seeking orders for the cabinet’s approval to continue trial proceedings, arguing the previous government had initiated a case against his client without the cabinet’s permission.
03-30-2019, 08:51 AM
High treason case
العرض العادي
