Apr 01 , 2016
News
Court snubs govt over Musharraf departure
OnlineISLAMABAD: A special court hearing the high treason case against former president Pervez Musharraf on Thursday questioned government’s decision to remove his name from the exit control list (ECL) without its permission.
The high treason case against Musharraf came up for hearing before the court consisting of Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel, Justice Tahira Safdar and Justice Yawar Ali.
The judges expressed their resentment over absence of Musharraf from the court. Addressing prosecutor Akram Sheikh, one of the judges said, “We will see the accused later. Tell us first were the authorities not aware of court’s orders? How was the name of Musharraf removed from the ECL without the orders of the court? Was it not in the knowledge of the government that the court had summoned Musharraf? If the government was unaware of it then why did not you inform the court?”
The prosecutor said the court could cancel the bail and issue arrest warrants for Musharraf. Surety bonds submitted by Musharraf’s guarantor could be confiscated, he said. He said the court could record Musharraf’s statement through video link if it likes to.
When summoned, the interior secretary said that Musharraf’s name was removed from the ECL in accordance with the law and he was allowed to go abroad in line with Supreme Court’s orders. The judges said the proceedings could not be carried out in Musharraf’s absence. They sought written reply from Musharraf and his guarantor Rashid Qureshi. They said that Musharraf’s guarantor should produce the accused in the court otherwise his surety bonds would be confiscated.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk