In its detailed verdict, Pakistan's Special Court has said that in case former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-former-dictator-musharraf-calls-death-sentence-a-personal-vendetta-269111">Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf</a> passes away before the execution of his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pervez-musharraf-handed-death-sentence-in-high-treason-case-268641">death sentence</a> then his body should be dragged to Islamabad's D-Chowk and hanged there, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The Court stated the same in its 167-page-long detailed verdict.&nbsp;

The Special Court pronounced a death sentence to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pervez-musharraf-an-army-general-dictator-and-convict-268670">Musharraf</a> on Tuesday in a high treason case.&nbsp;

"We direct the law enforcement agencies to strive their level best to apprehend the fugitive/convict and to ensure that the punishment is inflicted as per law and if found dead, his corpse is dragged to the D-Chowk, Islamabad, Pakistan and be hanged for 03 days," the verdict as cited by Pakistan Today stated.&nbsp;

A three-member bench headed by Peshawar High Court (PHC) Chief Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth had found Musharraf guilty under Article 6 of the Constitution. Musharraf had suspended the Constitution and imposed an emergency rule in Pakistan in the year 2007.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Musharraf has called the High Court’s decision to sentence him to death a “personal vendetta”.&nbsp;

In a video released late night on Wednesday, Musharraf was seen speaking from his hospital bed in Dubai. He stated that the allegations against him were politically motivated.

The former Pakistan President, who was tried and sentenced in absentia, called the ruling "an unprecedented case wherein neither the defendant nor his lawyer was allowed to defend the case".&nbsp;

In its detailed verdict, Pakistan's Special Court has said that in case former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf passes away before the execution of his death sentence then his body should be dragged to Islamabad's D-Chowk and hanged there, news agency ANI reported.

In its detailed verdict, Pakistan's Special Court has said that in case former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf passes away before the execution of his death sentence then his body should be dragged to Islamabad's D-Chowk and hanged there, news agency ANI reported. The Court stated the same in its 167-page-long detailed verdict. The Special Court pronounced a death sentence to Musharraf on Tuesday in a high treason case. "We direct the law enforcement agencies to strive their level best to apprehend the fugitive/convict and to ensure that the punishment is inflicted as per law and if found dead, his corpse is dragged to the D-Chowk, Islamabad, Pakistan and be hanged for 03 days," the verdict as cited by Pakistan Today stated. A three-member bench headed by Peshawar High Court (PHC) Chief Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth had found Musharraf guilty under Article 6 of the Constitution. Musharraf had suspended the Constitution and imposed an emergency rule in Pakistan in the year 2007. Meanwhile, Musharraf has called the High Court’s decision to sentence him to death a “personal vendetta”. In a video released late night on Wednesday, Musharraf was seen speaking from his hospital bed in Dubai. He stated that the allegations against him were politically motivated. The former Pakistan President, who was tried and sentenced in absentia, called the ruling "an unprecedented case wherein neither the defendant nor his lawyer was allowed to defend the case".

Musharraf's body to be hanged at Islamabad's D-Chowk if he dies before execution: Pak court's verdict

Two judgments by the Pakistan judiciary – one questioning the extension of tenure of the incumbent army chief and the other awarding death sentence to former chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/from-us-perspective-pervez-musharraf-gets-a-well-earned-sentence-268959">Pervez Musharraf</a> for high treason- have attracted considerable attention because of being utterly out of character for the army dominated Pakistani polity. Do they signal the advent of a new dawn in Pakistan?&nbsp;

PM Imran Khan’s decision to grant the second tenure of three years to army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa was not unprecedented. Aside from the self- granted extensions of their tenures by army chiefs turned military dictators, the PPP government had given the second tenure of three years to the then army chief, Ashfaq Parvez Kayani in 2010. However, three days before Bajwa was to embark upon his new tenure, a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa took up a petition challenging his continuation in office and suspended the government notification issued for the purpose. 
 
During the tense three-day hearing, the judges questioned the government decision both on account of the utterly inept procedural handling of the matter and the absence of any legal or constitutional basis for it. At the end, in order not to precipitate a crisis, they ruled that Bajwa could continue in his post for a further period of six months and his continuation thereafter would depend upon adoption of suitable legislation by the Parliament concerning the appointment and terms and conditions of service of the Chief of Army Staff. &nbsp;

Subsequently, a special court, constituted by the Supreme Court and comprising a judge each of the Lahore, Peshawar and Sindh High Courts, has given a 2-1 verdict, awarding death sentence for high treason to the former military dictator Parvez Musharraf for his action in declaring an emergency and suspending the constitution in early November 2007, when he was President and Chief of Army Staff. The court relied on Article 6 of the Pakistan Constitution that stipulates that any person who abrogates or subverts or suspends or holds in abeyance the Constitution by force or unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason.&nbsp;

The treason case was filed by the Nawaz Sharif government in November 2013 and the Supreme Court agreed to set up a special court to try Musharraf. Within a few months, the then army chief Raheel Sharif indicated that he was against the trial and said that the army “Would preserve its own dignity and institutional pride.” With the army backing him, Musharraf dodged the trial and was able to secure an order from the Supreme Court in March 2016 to go abroad for medical treatment and has not returned to Pakistan since then, even though the special court gave him six opportunities to make his statement. 
 
Finally, when the court decided to hear the case on a daily basis in October 2019, Imran Khan’s government sacked the entire prosecution team! With no further inputs coming from the prosecution or Pervez Musharraf’s defence lawyers, the special court concluded its proceedings on November 19 and said that it would give its verdict on November 28. Caught by surprise, Musharraf’s defence team challenged the special court’s decision to announce its verdict in the Lahore High Court.&nbsp;

Strangely, the government also approached the Islamabad High Court to restrain the special court from going ahead with its verdict. The High Court granted the request and directed the special court to listen to all the parties and complete all legal formalities before pronouncing its judgement. It also directed the government to appoint a prosecutor by December 5. The special court stated that it was not bound by the decision of the Islamabad High Court. 
 
When it convened on December 17, both Pervez Musharraf’s lawyer and the prosecution tried to stall the proceedings, the former by saying that Musharraf must be given an opportunity to make a statement before the court and the latter making an attempt to widen the scope of the trial by bringing in charges against some alleged collaborators of Musharraf, including former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. The special court rejected these pleas, ruling that Pervez Musharraf had foregone repeated opportunities to make his statement and the Supreme Court had decided that the case be proceeded with against Musharraf only. It then pronounced its split verdict to sentence Musharraf to death. &nbsp;

The Pakistani judiciary has, with a few exceptions, acted as a handmaiden of the army and helped them in subverting democratic processes. A recent example is its collaboration with the selective accountability process against Nawaz Sharif to rule him out of the 2018 election. Facilitation of his departure for medical treatment abroad by the judiciary seems to be the result of a nod from the army, keen to see him leave the country, in return for an end to his and his daughter’s strident campaign against them. 
 
The last time the judiciary mounted a challenge to the army was under the maverick Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, who reopened the case of financing of the Nawaz Sharif led Islamic Jamhoori Ittehad by the ISI during the 1990 election to defeat Benazir Bhutto, hauled up a few retired generals on corruption charges and took up cases of forced disappearances in Baluchistan and the tribal areas. However, in the face of the resistance of Pakistan army, the court did not make much headway. 
 
Why Chief Justice Khosa, who is to retire later this month, took up the case of Bajwa’s extension has been a matter of speculation. Some observers ascribe it to his annoyance at Imran Khan’s criticism of the judiciary in letting Nawaz Sharif go abroad without the stringent conditions imposed by his government and the consequent desire to get even with the Prime Minister by showing the functioning of his government in a poor light in the matter of army chief’s extension. Others believe that the court might have been encouraged by senior army officers, whose promotion prospects would be marred by the continuation of Bajwa in his post. As for the special court, one of its members, Chief Justice Waqar Ahmed Seth of the Peshawar High Court has had a record of bold decisions, setting aside trials by military courts.&nbsp;

What do the above judgments mean for Pakistan’s democracy? &nbsp;

The continuation of Bajwa as army chief beyond the six months period approved by the Supreme Court would be more a function of his control over his senior army commanders than of the political dynamics within the Parliament. Should he be able to ensure cohesion within the army’s senior ranks, politicians in the government and opposition could be expected to bend over backwards to provide the legislation required for his continuation. The army and Imran Khan government have already rallied against the death sentence awarded to Musharraf. The army spokesperson has issued a statement that the special court judgment has been received by the rank and file of Pakistan armed forces “With a lot of pain and anguish”. 
 
He adds that Pervez Musharraf, who served Pakistan&nbsp;for over 40 years and fought wars for its defence “can surely not be a traitor” and complains that due legal process seems to have been ignored “including constitution of special court, denial of fundamental right of self-defence, undertaking individual-specific proceedings and concluding the case in haste.” He expresses the expectation of armed forces that justice would be dispensed in line with Pakistan’s constitution. This plea for justice in keeping with the constitution for a man who blew to pieces all constitutional tenets sounds bizarre, to say the least! The army would go to any length to thwart the judgment. Though Musharraf’s successors have not resorted to the extreme steps against constitutional governance that he did, the army leadership has continued to act well beyond its remit in violation of constitutional norms, including interference in elections. Any judicial harm coming to Musharraf could, therefore, leave his successors vulnerable to similar judicial action. 
 
Musharraf’s lawyer has said that he would file an appeal in the Supreme Court. The government has expressed its intent to support Musharraf during the appeal process. With the possibility of reversal of the special court judgment by the Supreme Court and power of the President to grant pardon, should the apex court uphold the judgment and no likelihood of Musharraf returning to the country, the death sentence remains largely symbolic and it is deterrent effect uncertain.&nbsp;

Pakistan is nowhere close to redressal of its civil-military imbalance. However, even if, as expected, the army leadership manages to overcome the hurdles thrown up by the above judgments, its inability to prevent the judges concerned from pronouncing them is a reminder of a sizeable body of opinion in Pakistan that does not see eye to eye with the army’s ways of functioning. This opinion, which the army has managed to keep under subjugation through heavy-handedness, must gain in strength if Pakistan is ever to become a normal state. &nbsp; 
 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Two judgments by the Pakistan judiciary – one questioning the extension of tenure of the incumbent army chief and the other awarding death sentence to former chief Pervez Musharraf for high treason- have attracted considerable attention because of being utterly out of character for the army dominated Pakistani polity.

Two judgments by the Pakistan judiciary – one questioning the extension of tenure of the incumbent army chief and the other awarding death sentence to former chief Pervez Musharraf for high treason- have attracted considerable attention because of being utterly out of character for the army dominated Pakistani polity. Do they signal the advent of a new dawn in Pakistan? PM Imran Khan’s decision to grant the second tenure of three years to army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa was not unprecedented. Aside from the self- granted extensions of their tenures by army chiefs turned military dictators, the PPP government had given the second tenure of three years to the then army chief, Ashfaq Parvez Kayani in 2010. However, three days before Bajwa was to embark upon his new tenure, a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa took up a petition challenging his continuation in office and suspended the government notification issued for the purpose. During the tense three-day hearing, the judges questioned the government decision both on account of the utterly inept procedural handling of the matter and the absence of any legal or constitutional basis for it. At the end, in order not to precipitate a crisis, they ruled that Bajwa could continue in his post for a further period of six months and his continuation thereafter would depend upon adoption of suitable legislation by the Parliament concerning the appointment and terms and conditions of service of the Chief of Army Staff. Subsequently, a special court, constituted by the Supreme Court and comprising a judge each of the Lahore, Peshawar and Sindh High Courts, has given a 2-1 verdict, awarding death sentence for high treason to the former military dictator Parvez Musharraf for his action in declaring an emergency and suspending the constitution in early November 2007, when he was President and Chief of Army Staff. The court relied on Article 6 of the Pakistan Constitution that stipulates that any person who abrogates or subverts or suspends or holds in abeyance the Constitution by force or unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason. The treason case was filed by the Nawaz Sharif government in November 2013 and the Supreme Court agreed to set up a special court to try Musharraf. Within a few months, the then army chief Raheel Sharif indicated that he was against the trial and said that the army “Would preserve its own dignity and institutional pride.” With the army backing him, Musharraf dodged the trial and was able to secure an order from the Supreme Court in March 2016 to go abroad for medical treatment and has not returned to Pakistan since then, even though the special court gave him six opportunities to make his statement. Finally, when the court decided to hear the case on a daily basis in October 2019, Imran Khan’s government sacked the entire prosecution team! With no further inputs coming from the prosecution or Pervez Musharraf’s defence lawyers, the special court concluded its proceedings on November 19 and said that it would give its verdict on November 28. Caught by surprise, Musharraf’s defence team challenged the special court’s decision to announce its verdict in the Lahore High Court. Strangely, the government also approached the Islamabad High Court to restrain the special court from going ahead with its verdict. The High Court granted the request and directed the special court to listen to all the parties and complete all legal formalities before pronouncing its judgement. It also directed the government to appoint a prosecutor by December 5. The special court stated that it was not bound by the decision of the Islamabad High Court. When it convened on December 17, both Pervez Musharraf’s lawyer and the prosecution tried to stall the proceedings, the former by saying that Musharraf must be given an opportunity to make a statement before the court and the latter making an attempt to widen the scope of the trial by bringing in charges against some alleged collaborators of Musharraf, including former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. The special court rejected these pleas, ruling that Pervez Musharraf had foregone repeated opportunities to make his statement and the Supreme Court had decided that the case be proceeded with against Musharraf only. It then pronounced its split verdict to sentence Musharraf to death. The Pakistani judiciary has, with a few exceptions, acted as a handmaiden of the army and helped them in subverting democratic processes. A recent example is its collaboration with the selective accountability process against Nawaz Sharif to rule him out of the 2018 election. Facilitation of his departure for medical treatment abroad by the judiciary seems to be the result of a nod from the army, keen to see him leave the country, in return for an end to his and his daughter’s strident campaign against them. The last time the judiciary mounted a challenge to the army was under the maverick Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, who reopened the case of financing of the Nawaz Sharif led Islamic Jamhoori Ittehad by the ISI during the 1990 election to defeat Benazir Bhutto, hauled up a few retired generals on corruption charges and took up cases of forced disappearances in Baluchistan and the tribal areas. However, in the face of the resistance of Pakistan army, the court did not make much headway. Why Chief Justice Khosa, who is to retire later this month, took up the case of Bajwa’s extension has been a matter of speculation. Some observers ascribe it to his annoyance at Imran Khan’s criticism of the judiciary in letting Nawaz Sharif go abroad without the stringent conditions imposed by his government and the consequent desire to get even with the Prime Minister by showing the functioning of his government in a poor light in the matter of army chief’s extension. Others believe that the court might have been encouraged by senior army officers, whose promotion prospects would be marred by the continuation of Bajwa in his post. As for the special court, one of its members, Chief Justice Waqar Ahmed Seth of the Peshawar High Court has had a record of bold decisions, setting aside trials by military courts. What do the above judgments mean for Pakistan’s democracy? The continuation of Bajwa as army chief beyond the six months period approved by the Supreme Court would be more a function of his control over his senior army commanders than of the political dynamics within the Parliament. Should he be able to ensure cohesion within the army’s senior ranks, politicians in the government and opposition could be expected to bend over backwards to provide the legislation required for his continuation. The army and Imran Khan government have already rallied against the death sentence awarded to Musharraf. The army spokesperson has issued a statement that the special court judgment has been received by the rank and file of Pakistan armed forces “With a lot of pain and anguish”. He adds that Pervez Musharraf, who served Pakistan for over 40 years and fought wars for its defence “can surely not be a traitor” and complains that due legal process seems to have been ignored “including constitution of special court, denial of fundamental right of self-defence, undertaking individual-specific proceedings and concluding the case in haste.” He expresses the expectation of armed forces that justice would be dispensed in line with Pakistan’s constitution. This plea for justice in keeping with the constitution for a man who blew to pieces all constitutional tenets sounds bizarre, to say the least! The army would go to any length to thwart the judgment. Though Musharraf’s successors have not resorted to the extreme steps against constitutional governance that he did, the army leadership has continued to act well beyond its remit in violation of constitutional norms, including interference in elections. Any judicial harm coming to Musharraf could, therefore, leave his successors vulnerable to similar judicial action. Musharraf’s lawyer has said that he would file an appeal in the Supreme Court. The government has expressed its intent to support Musharraf during the appeal process. With the possibility of reversal of the special court judgment by the Supreme Court and power of the President to grant pardon, should the apex court uphold the judgment and no likelihood of Musharraf returning to the country, the death sentence remains largely symbolic and it is deterrent effect uncertain. Pakistan is nowhere close to redressal of its civil-military imbalance. However, even if, as expected, the army leadership manages to overcome the hurdles thrown up by the above judgments, its inability to prevent the judges concerned from pronouncing them is a reminder of a sizeable body of opinion in Pakistan that does not see eye to eye with the army’s ways of functioning. This opinion, which the army has managed to keep under subjugation through heavy-handedness, must gain in strength if Pakistan is ever to become a normal state. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Pervez Musharraf case: A new dawn in Pakistan?

The Special Court, which pronounced death sentence to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pervez-musharraf-handed-death-sentence-in-high-treason-case-268641">Pervez Musharraf </a>on Tuesday, has written in its 167-page detailed verdict that the body of the former military dictator would be dragged to and hanged at D-Chowk in Islamabad if he died before the execution of his death sentence.

For the first time in Pakistan's recent history, a special court, earlier this week, handed a death sentence to a former military general in a high treason court.

As per the detailed verdict, cited by Pakistan Today, "The then Corps Commanders Committee in addition to all other uniformed officers who were guarding him each and every time, with boots on, are equally and fully involved in the act and deeds of the accused person."

"As a necessary corollary to what has been observed, we find the accused guilty as per charge. The convict is hanged by his neck till he dies on each count as per charge," the verdict said.

"We direct the law enforcement agencies to strive their level best to apprehend the fugitive/convict and to ensure that the punishment is inflicted as per law and if found dead, his corpse is dragged to the D-Chowk, Islamabad, Pakistan and be hanged for 03 days," it added.

In the brief ruling announced on Tuesday, the three-member bench headed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-in-a-setback-to-christian-community-peshawar-high-court-nationalises-edwardes-college-257628">Peshawar High Court</a> (PHC) Chief Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth and comprised Justice Nazar Akbar of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sindh-high-court-chief-justices-son-kidnapped-879">Sindh High Court</a> (SHC) and Justice Shahid Karim of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lahore-high-court-accepts-hafiz-saaeds-application-challenging-his-arrest-in-terror-financing-case-254314">Lahore High Court</a> (LHC) had found Musharraf guilty under Article 6 of the Constitution.

Article 6 of the Constitution states: "Any person who abrogates or subverts or suspends or hold in abeyance, or attempts or conspires to abrogate or subvert or suspend or hold in abeyance the Constitution by use of force or show force or by any other unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason."

The special court, earlier this month, had said that it would announce the verdict in the case on December 17. The court on November 19 concluded the trial proceedings in the case against Musharraf for declaring a state emergency on November 3, 2007.

The court was scheduled to announce the verdict on November 28 on the basis of the available record but the Islamabad High Court halted the verdict announcement after

Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government filed a petition against the announcement. 
Since 2016, Musharraf has been living in a self-imposed exile in Dubai for "seeking medical treatment" and has not returned to the country since. He is wanted by authorities in connection to the case.

The high treason trial of the former leader has been pending since December 2013 when he was booked in the case.

He was indicted on March 31, 2014, and the prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year.

However, due to litigation at appellate forums, Musharraf's trial lingered on and he left Pakistan in March 2016 "to seek medical treatment."

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/ex-pakistan-president-zardari-secures-interim-bail-in-6-corruption-cases-219102"> former Pakistan President</a> was then declared an absconder as he failed to appear in court despite repeated summons and the court issued a directive to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to arrest him.

The Special Court, which pronounced death sentence to Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday, has written in its 167-page detailed verdict that the body of the former military dictator would be dragged to and hanged at D-Chowk in Islamabad if he died before the execution of his death sentence.

The Special Court, which pronounced death sentence to Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday, has written in its 167-page detailed verdict that the body of the former military dictator would be dragged to and hanged at D-Chowk in Islamabad if he died before the execution of his death sentence. For the first time in Pakistan's recent history, a special court, earlier this week, handed a death sentence to a former military general in a high treason court. As per the detailed verdict, cited by Pakistan Today, "The then Corps Commanders Committee in addition to all other uniformed officers who were guarding him each and every time, with boots on, are equally and fully involved in the act and deeds of the accused person." "As a necessary corollary to what has been observed, we find the accused guilty as per charge. The convict is hanged by his neck till he dies on each count as per charge," the verdict said. "We direct the law enforcement agencies to strive their level best to apprehend the fugitive/convict and to ensure that the punishment is inflicted as per law and if found dead, his corpse is dragged to the D-Chowk, Islamabad, Pakistan and be hanged for 03 days," it added. In the brief ruling announced on Tuesday, the three-member bench headed by Peshawar High Court (PHC) Chief Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth and comprised Justice Nazar Akbar of the Sindh High Court (SHC) and Justice Shahid Karim of the Lahore High Court (LHC) had found Musharraf guilty under Article 6 of the Constitution. Article 6 of the Constitution states: "Any person who abrogates or subverts or suspends or hold in abeyance, or attempts or conspires to abrogate or subvert or suspend or hold in abeyance the Constitution by use of force or show force or by any other unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason." The special court, earlier this month, had said that it would announce the verdict in the case on December 17. The court on November 19 concluded the trial proceedings in the case against Musharraf for declaring a state emergency on November 3, 2007. The court was scheduled to announce the verdict on November 28 on the basis of the available record but the Islamabad High Court halted the verdict announcement after Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government filed a petition against the announcement. Since 2016, Musharraf has been living in a self-imposed exile in Dubai for "seeking medical treatment" and has not returned to the country since. He is wanted by authorities in connection to the case. The high treason trial of the former leader has been pending since December 2013 when he was booked in the case. He was indicted on March 31, 2014, and the prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year. However, due to litigation at appellate forums, Musharraf's trial lingered on and he left Pakistan in March 2016 "to seek medical treatment." The former Pakistan President was then declared an absconder as he failed to appear in court despite repeated summons and the court issued a directive to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to arrest him.

Musharraf's body to be hanged at Islamabad's D-Chowk for 3 days if dies before execution: Verdict

Encapsulating The Legacy Of Former Pakistan President & Military Dictator Pervez Musharraf Pakistan's army chief during Kargil war, the military dictator who toppled Nawaz Sharif's government, an ally of the U.S. in the war on terror & a President who attempted peace with India, here's the story of General Pervez Musharraf. #Gravitas #Pakistan #Pervez Musharraf

Gravitas: The Story Of General Pervez Musharraf & His Troubled Legacy

India spoke at Global Refugee Forum in Geneva. Watch what India said at the Forum.

India speaks at Global Refugee Forum in Geneva

Since independence, there has been no more accurate barometer of the malfeasance of Pakistan’s government or the volatility of its political system than the frequent fate of the country’s leaders – assassination, execution, prison or disgrace.

Such is the fate of Pakistan’s former military ruler General Pervez Musharraf, who was sentenced to death in absentia for treason over his 2007 suspension of the constitution in 2007 when he declared emergency rule in a move intended to extend his tenure. He resigned in 2008 to avoid impeachment.

The significance of the sentence is questionable and it is unlikely that the sentence will be carried out. Although Musharraf was formerly charged with treason in 2014, he was allowed to leave Pakistan in 2016 and is now living in Dubai.

It is indeed ironic that Musharraf, who initiated Pakistan’s duplicity against the US at the start of the Afghanistan war and worked in tandem with Pakistan’s Inter-Service Intelligence agency (ISI), sought US support in 2018 to regain power in Pakistan by telling American lawmakers he was "ashamed" of the ISI, especially by being negligent about knowing the location of Al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden inside Pakistan.

Just four days after 9/11, on September 15, 2001, Musharraf held a meeting with ISI Director Lt. General Mahmood Ahmed, Lt. General Muzaffar Usmani, Lt. General Jamshaid Gulzar Kiani, and Lt. General Mohammed Aziz Khan. The military officers argued that Pakistan should not help the US at all in its war against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Mahmood stated, “Let the US do its dirty work. Its enemies are our friends.” 
 
Musharraf countered that publicly agreeing with the US would lead to billions of dollars in aid and the lifting of sanctions against Pakistan due to its illicit nuclear activities.

On September 19, 2001, Musharraf still failed to condemn the 9/11 attacks, the Taliban or Al-Qaeda during an important televised speech, implying that Pakistan’s alliance with the US was only a temporary and opportunistic necessity. He said, “I have done everything for Afghanistan and the Taliban when the whole world was against them. We are trying our best to come out of this critical situation without any damage to them.”

Presumably with Musharraf’s approval, Pakistan’s ISI would continue to supply the Taliban in Afghanistan with fuel, weapons, and even military advisers, until at least November 2001.

Prior to the October 7, 2001 US attack on Afghanistan, Pakistan’s ISI Director Mahmood continued to meet with Taliban leader Mullah Omar and told him how to resist the US and not to hand over Osama bin Laden.

In addition, according to journalist Kathy Gannon, Mahmood, having just come from meetings with top officials in the US, gave Mullah Omar information about the likely next move by the Americans. By then, Mahmood knew there weren’t going to be a lot of US soldiers on the ground. He warned Mullah Omar that the Americans would be relying heavily on aerial bombardment and on the Northern Alliance. Mahmood gave additional information on targets likely to be hit, such as command and control systems and anti-aircraft defence emplacements and what types of weapons the US would use against those targets.

The ISI informed Musharraf that the Taliban would hold out at least until the spring of 2002, and then would mount a guerrilla war. Encouraged, Musharraf allowed the ISI to continue to supply the Taliban on a daily basis.

Also prior to the US attack, so many fuel tankers and supply trucks were crossing the Pakistan-Afghan border in Chaman, Balochistan, regular traffic was shut down to allow ISI supplies through to the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar, where Pakistani military advisors remained until November 2001.

A December 8, 2001 New York Times article described ISI-sponsored convoys of rifles, ammunition, and rocket-propelled grenade launchers for Taliban fighters crossing the Khyber Pass border from Pakistan into Afghanistan between October 8 and 12, just after US bombing of Afghanistan began.

Jalaluddin Haqqani (Haqqani Network), who controlled the Khost region of eastern Afghanistan where most of Laden’s training camps and supporters were, made a secret trip to Pakistan, where ISI Director Mahmood advised him to hold out and not defect, promising that he will have help.

The same pattern of Pakistani duplicitous behaviour, initiated by Musharraf, continues to this day. No American should shed a tear for the fate of the father of that duplicity. 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Since independence, there has been no more accurate barometer of the malfeasance of Pakistan’s government or the volatility of its political system than the frequent fate of the country’s leaders – assassination, execution, prison or disgrace.

Since independence, there has been no more accurate barometer of the malfeasance of Pakistan’s government or the volatility of its political system than the frequent fate of the country’s leaders – assassination, execution, prison or disgrace. Such is the fate of Pakistan’s former military ruler General Pervez Musharraf, who was sentenced to death in absentia for treason over his 2007 suspension of the constitution in 2007 when he declared emergency rule in a move intended to extend his tenure. He resigned in 2008 to avoid impeachment. The significance of the sentence is questionable and it is unlikely that the sentence will be carried out. Although Musharraf was formerly charged with treason in 2014, he was allowed to leave Pakistan in 2016 and is now living in Dubai. It is indeed ironic that Musharraf, who initiated Pakistan’s duplicity against the US at the start of the Afghanistan war and worked in tandem with Pakistan’s Inter-Service Intelligence agency (ISI), sought US support in 2018 to regain power in Pakistan by telling American lawmakers he was "ashamed" of the ISI, especially by being negligent about knowing the location of Al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden inside Pakistan. Just four days after 9/11, on September 15, 2001, Musharraf held a meeting with ISI Director Lt. General Mahmood Ahmed, Lt. General Muzaffar Usmani, Lt. General Jamshaid Gulzar Kiani, and Lt. General Mohammed Aziz Khan. The military officers argued that Pakistan should not help the US at all in its war against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Mahmood stated, “Let the US do its dirty work. Its enemies are our friends.” Musharraf countered that publicly agreeing with the US would lead to billions of dollars in aid and the lifting of sanctions against Pakistan due to its illicit nuclear activities. On September 19, 2001, Musharraf still failed to condemn the 9/11 attacks, the Taliban or Al-Qaeda during an important televised speech, implying that Pakistan’s alliance with the US was only a temporary and opportunistic necessity. He said, “I have done everything for Afghanistan and the Taliban when the whole world was against them. We are trying our best to come out of this critical situation without any damage to them.” Presumably with Musharraf’s approval, Pakistan’s ISI would continue to supply the Taliban in Afghanistan with fuel, weapons, and even military advisers, until at least November 2001. Prior to the October 7, 2001 US attack on Afghanistan, Pakistan’s ISI Director Mahmood continued to meet with Taliban leader Mullah Omar and told him how to resist the US and not to hand over Osama bin Laden. In addition, according to journalist Kathy Gannon, Mahmood, having just come from meetings with top officials in the US, gave Mullah Omar information about the likely next move by the Americans. By then, Mahmood knew there weren’t going to be a lot of US soldiers on the ground. He warned Mullah Omar that the Americans would be relying heavily on aerial bombardment and on the Northern Alliance. Mahmood gave additional information on targets likely to be hit, such as command and control systems and anti-aircraft defence emplacements and what types of weapons the US would use against those targets. The ISI informed Musharraf that the Taliban would hold out at least until the spring of 2002, and then would mount a guerrilla war. Encouraged, Musharraf allowed the ISI to continue to supply the Taliban on a daily basis. Also prior to the US attack, so many fuel tankers and supply trucks were crossing the Pakistan-Afghan border in Chaman, Balochistan, regular traffic was shut down to allow ISI supplies through to the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar, where Pakistani military advisors remained until November 2001. A December 8, 2001 New York Times article described ISI-sponsored convoys of rifles, ammunition, and rocket-propelled grenade launchers for Taliban fighters crossing the Khyber Pass border from Pakistan into Afghanistan between October 8 and 12, just after US bombing of Afghanistan began. Jalaluddin Haqqani (Haqqani Network), who controlled the Khost region of eastern Afghanistan where most of Laden’s training camps and supporters were, made a secret trip to Pakistan, where ISI Director Mahmood advised him to hold out and not defect, promising that he will have help. The same pattern of Pakistani duplicitous behaviour, initiated by Musharraf, continues to this day. No American should shed a tear for the fate of the father of that duplicity. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

From US perspective, Pervez Musharraf gets a well-earned sentence

Pakistan Special Court Charges Former Military Dictator Pervez Musharraf With Treason, Awards Death Penalty Never before has a military dictator faced the music for his actions in Pakistan. #Pakistan #Pervez Musharraf #Pervez Musharrafjail

Gravitas: Death Sentence For Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf

Pervez Musharraf ruled the Pakistan from 1999 to 2008. So, Former PML-N Govt filed this case of sedition against Former President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf. After hearings, Pak's apex court sentenced Musharraf to death in punishment. Musharraf is presently in a hospital of Dubai with which country Pak has no extradition treaty itself. #PervezMusharraf #Pakistan #PakConstitution

Pakistan: Musharraf has right to appeal within 30 days, currently in a Dubai hospital

Pak's former PML-N govt filed the case of sedition against Former President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf. After hearings, Pak's apex court sentenced Musharraf to death in punishment. Musharraf is presently in a hospital of Dubai with which country Pak has no extradition treaty itself. WION spoke to some experts for more on this. Let's listen in... #PervezMusharraf #Pakistan #PakConstitution

Musharraf treason case: Can Pak move ahead as it doesn't have 'extradition treaty' with UAE?

Pervez Musharraf ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008. Former PML-N Govt filed the case of sedition against the Former President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf. After hearings, Pak's apex court sentenced Musharraf to death in punishment. Musharraf is presently in a hospital of Dubai with which Pakistan has no extradition treaty . #PervezMusharraf #Pakistan #Deathsentence

Pakistan: Pervez Musharraf sentenced to death in Dec 2013 'case of sedition'

Former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf was on Tuesday handed over death sentence following his conviction in high treason. A special court sentenced Musharraf to death for abrogating the Pakistan constitution.

Former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf was on Tuesday handed over death sentence following his conviction in high treason. A special court sentenced Musharraf to death for abrogating the Pakistan constitution. The case has been pending since December 2013. Watch: Musharraf, who is currently in a hospital in Dubai, has the right to appeal in 30 days against the sentence. He was booked in the treason case in December 2013. Musharraf was indicted on March 31, 2014, and the prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year. However, due to litigation at appellate forums, the trial of the former military dictator lingered on and he left Pakistan in March 2016. The sentencing comes a day after the Lahore High Court issued a notice to the federal government on Musharraf's plea urging it to stay the high treason case proceedings pending before a special court in Islamabad. Musharraf in his application asked the court to declare the proceedings pending before the special court and all actions against him - from initiation of the high treason complaint to the appointment of the prosecutor and constitution of the trial court - as unconstitutional.

Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf handed death sentence in high treason case  

Former President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf has been sentenced to death by Pakistan's court for abrogating the Constitution of Pakistan. Presently, Musharraf is in a Dubai hospital. This case was lodged by the earlier Pak govt in 2013. #PervezMusharraf #Pakistan #PakConstitution

Pak Ex-President Musharraf sentenced to death for Pak Constitution abrogation

A special court here on Thursday said it will pronounce on December 17 the verdict in the high treason case against former Pakistan president General (retd) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pervez-musharraf-approaches-hc-as-verdict-on-high-treason-case-nears-264139">Pervez Musharraf</a> after hearing the arguments of the government's new prosecution team, according to Pakistani media reports.

Musharraf, who was admitted to Dubai's American Hospital on Monday, due to blood pressure issue and cardiac problem, alleged in a video message that the high treason matter against him is "baseless" and asserted that justice was not being served as his lawyer was not being heard in the matter.

Since 2016, Musharraf has been living in a self-imposed exile in Dubai for "seeking medical treatment" and has not returned to the country since. He is wanted by authorities in connection to the high treason case filed against him.

On November 27, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-islamabad-high-court-stops-announcement-of-verdict-in-musharrafs-high-treason-case-264929">Islamabad High Court</a> (IHC) stopped the special court from announcing the verdict in the matter. The order came before a special court was scheduled to announce the verdict on the basis of the available record.

The IHC was hearing a petition filed by the Pakistan government seeking an adjournment of the verdict's announcement. A similar petition was also filed by Musharraf in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lahore-high-court-accepts-hafiz-saaeds-application-challenging-his-arrest-in-terror-financing-case-254314">Lahore High Court</a>.

The court had also directed the government to notify a new prosecutor or a team of prosecution in the treason case by December 5. It also asked the special court to fix a date "for affording a reasonable opportunity of hearing" to the notified prosecutor or prosecution team as well as the counsel appointed for Musharraf.

The special court on November 19 concluded the trial proceedings in the high treason case against Musharraf for declaring a state of emergency on November 3, 2007, by suspending the Pakistan Constitution. The trial of the former leader has been pending since December 2013 when he was booked in the case.

Musharraf was indicted on March 31, 2014, and the prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year. However, due to litigation at appellate forums, the trial of the former president lingered on and he left Pakistan in March 2016 "to seek medical treatment."

The retired general was that year declared an absconder as he failed to appear before the court despite repeated summons and court directives issued to the Federal Investigation Agency to arrest him.

A special court here on Thursday said it will pronounce on December 17 the verdict in the high treason case against former Pakistan president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf after hearing the arguments of the government's new prosecution team, according to Pakistani media reports.

A special court here on Thursday said it will pronounce on December 17 the verdict in the high treason case against former Pakistan president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf after hearing the arguments of the government's new prosecution team, according to Pakistani media reports. Musharraf, who was admitted to Dubai's American Hospital on Monday, due to blood pressure issue and cardiac problem, alleged in a video message that the high treason matter against him is "baseless" and asserted that justice was not being served as his lawyer was not being heard in the matter. Since 2016, Musharraf has been living in a self-imposed exile in Dubai for "seeking medical treatment" and has not returned to the country since. He is wanted by authorities in connection to the high treason case filed against him. On November 27, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) stopped the special court from announcing the verdict in the matter. The order came before a special court was scheduled to announce the verdict on the basis of the available record. The IHC was hearing a petition filed by the Pakistan government seeking an adjournment of the verdict's announcement. A similar petition was also filed by Musharraf in the Lahore High Court. The court had also directed the government to notify a new prosecutor or a team of prosecution in the treason case by December 5. It also asked the special court to fix a date "for affording a reasonable opportunity of hearing" to the notified prosecutor or prosecution team as well as the counsel appointed for Musharraf. The special court on November 19 concluded the trial proceedings in the high treason case against Musharraf for declaring a state of emergency on November 3, 2007, by suspending the Pakistan Constitution. The trial of the former leader has been pending since December 2013 when he was booked in the case. Musharraf was indicted on March 31, 2014, and the prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year. However, due to litigation at appellate forums, the trial of the former president lingered on and he left Pakistan in March 2016 "to seek medical treatment." The retired general was that year declared an absconder as he failed to appear before the court despite repeated summons and court directives issued to the Federal Investigation Agency to arrest him.

Verdict in Musharraf high treason case to be announced on December 17

Former military dictator and retired four-star general of the Pakistan Army Pervez Musharraf admitted to hospital in Dubai on Monday.

Musharraf is suffering from the heart and blood pressure-related complications.

Since 2016, former President of Pakistan Musharraf living in a self-imposed exile in Dubai for "seeking medical treatment"&nbsp;has not returned to the country. He is wanted by authorities in connection to the high treason case filed against him.

Last month, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) stopped the special court from announcing the verdict in the matter. The order came before a special court was scheduled to announce the verdict on the basis of the available record.

The IHC was hearing a petition filed by the Pakistan government seeking an adjournment of the verdict's announcement. A similar petition was also filed by Musharraf in the Lahore High Court.

The court has also directed the government to notify a new prosecutor or a team of prosecution in the treason case by December 5. It has also asked the special court to fix a date "for affording a reasonable opportunity of hearing" to the notified prosecutor or prosecution team as well as the counsel appointed for Musharraf.

The special court on November 19 concluded the trial proceedings in the high treason case against Musharraf for declaring a state emergency on November 3, 2007. The trial of the former leader has been pending since December 2013 when he was booked in the case.

Musharraf was indicted on March 31, 2014, and the prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year. However, due to litigation at appellate forums, the trial of the former president lingered on and he left Pakistan in March 2016 "to seek medical treatment."

The retired general was that year declared an absconder as he failed to appear before the court despite repeated summons and court directives issued to the Federal Investigation Agency to arrest him.

(With inputs from ANI)

Former military dictator and retired four-star general of the Pakistan Army Pervez Musharraf admitted to hospital in Dubai on Monday. Musharraf is suffering from the heart and blood pressure-related complications.

Former military dictator and retired four-star general of the Pakistan Army Pervez Musharraf admitted to hospital in Dubai on Monday. Musharraf is suffering from the heart and blood pressure-related complications. Since 2016, former President of Pakistan Musharraf living in a self-imposed exile in Dubai for "seeking medical treatment" has not returned to the country. He is wanted by authorities in connection to the high treason case filed against him. Last month, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) stopped the special court from announcing the verdict in the matter. The order came before a special court was scheduled to announce the verdict on the basis of the available record. The IHC was hearing a petition filed by the Pakistan government seeking an adjournment of the verdict's announcement. A similar petition was also filed by Musharraf in the Lahore High Court. The court has also directed the government to notify a new prosecutor or a team of prosecution in the treason case by December 5. It has also asked the special court to fix a date "for affording a reasonable opportunity of hearing" to the notified prosecutor or prosecution team as well as the counsel appointed for Musharraf. The special court on November 19 concluded the trial proceedings in the high treason case against Musharraf for declaring a state emergency on November 3, 2007. The trial of the former leader has been pending since December 2013 when he was booked in the case. Musharraf was indicted on March 31, 2014, and the prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year. However, due to litigation at appellate forums, the trial of the former president lingered on and he left Pakistan in March 2016 "to seek medical treatment." The retired general was that year declared an absconder as he failed to appear before the court despite repeated summons and court directives issued to the Federal Investigation Agency to arrest him. (With inputs from ANI)

Former Military Dictator Pervez Musharraf admitted to hospital in Dubai

Former Pakistan President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-reseves-judgment-in-musharrafs-treason-case-verdict-on-november-28-263205">Pervez Musharraf</a> has filed a petition in Lahore High Court (LHC) against a special court's judgment in a high-treason case scheduled to be announced days from now.&nbsp;

Musharraf's lawyer, Khwaja Ahmed Tariq Rahim argued that the reserving of verdict on November 19 was "unconstitutional and void". The petition asked for suspending the reserved verdict and urged for staying the trial till Musharraf recovers to good health and physically appear before the 
court, Dawn reported.&nbsp;

Musharraf's petition claimed that the special court reserved its order without hearing his argument on November 19.

The petition urged for re-initiation of the trial. It also said the federation of Pakistan and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) "be directed to conduct a proper and unbiased investigation including the names of all alleged aiders and abettors for the proper appreciation of facts and evidence at trial".

An independent medical board "at the expense of the petitioner" be constituted to assess the present condition of the accused, the petition said.&nbsp;

It further said that the petitioner be granted "constitutional right to a fair trial and audience in the instant trial" as per the law.&nbsp;

Furthermore, it urged the court that the section of Criminal Law Amendments (Special Court) Act, 1976, which denies the accused adjournment even on the grounds of illness be suspended and declared unconstitutional.&nbsp;

The high court will hear the petition next on November 25.

Meanwhile, the special court's verdict on high-treason case is scheduled to be announced on November 28.&nbsp;

Musharraf is indicted for suspending the Constitution, imposing an emergency in the country and detaining judges of higher courts, among others.&nbsp;

On Nov 3, 2007, Musharraf, then president of Pakistan, declared emergency that carried till the mid of December. Pakistan's Constitution remained suspended during that period.&nbsp;

The former dictator was booked in the high treason case in December 2013 and the case was pending since then. Musharraf was indicted on March 31, 2014, and the entire evidence was presented to the court in September the same year.&nbsp;

However, the case lingered on and the former president fled to Dubai on grounds of seeking medical treatment and never returned back.&nbsp;

Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has filed a petition in Lahore High Court (LHC) against a special court's judgment in a high-treason case scheduled to be announced days from now.

Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has filed a petition in Lahore High Court (LHC) against a special court's judgment in a high-treason case scheduled to be announced days from now. Musharraf's lawyer, Khwaja Ahmed Tariq Rahim argued that the reserving of verdict on November 19 was "unconstitutional and void". The petition asked for suspending the reserved verdict and urged for staying the trial till Musharraf recovers to good health and physically appear before the court, Dawn reported. Musharraf's petition claimed that the special court reserved its order without hearing his argument on November 19. The petition urged for re-initiation of the trial. It also said the federation of Pakistan and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) "be directed to conduct a proper and unbiased investigation including the names of all alleged aiders and abettors for the proper appreciation of facts and evidence at trial". An independent medical board "at the expense of the petitioner" be constituted to assess the present condition of the accused, the petition said. It further said that the petitioner be granted "constitutional right to a fair trial and audience in the instant trial" as per the law. Furthermore, it urged the court that the section of Criminal Law Amendments (Special Court) Act, 1976, which denies the accused adjournment even on the grounds of illness be suspended and declared unconstitutional. The high court will hear the petition next on November 25. Meanwhile, the special court's verdict on high-treason case is scheduled to be announced on November 28. Musharraf is indicted for suspending the Constitution, imposing an emergency in the country and detaining judges of higher courts, among others. On Nov 3, 2007, Musharraf, then president of Pakistan, declared emergency that carried till the mid of December. Pakistan's Constitution remained suspended during that period. The former dictator was booked in the high treason case in December 2013 and the case was pending since then. Musharraf was indicted on March 31, 2014, and the entire evidence was presented to the court in September the same year. However, the case lingered on and the former president fled to Dubai on grounds of seeking medical treatment and never returned back.

Pakistan: Pervez Musharraf approaches HC as verdict on high-treason case nears

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed a petition of former president retired <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pervez-musharrafs-case-adjourned-till-october-24-254522">Gen Pervez Musharraf</a> seeking to remove the sections of Anti- Terrorism Act (ATA) in judges' detention case.

A division bench comprising IHC's Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb on Wednesday heard the petition of the former president and subsequently dismissed the plea, The Express Tribune reported.

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) had already declared Musharraf proclaimed offender due to continuous non-appearance in the case.

The case was registered against him for confining 60 judges of the superior courts for more than five months after the imposition of emergency on November 3, 2007.

However, in 2013, a single-member bench of the IHC had ordered the police to invoke the anti-terror law against the former president since detaining judges is an act of terrorism.

Musharraf has been abroad since March 2016.

The prosecution has laid entire evidence against the accused in this case. However, the trial is standstill as the former leader is absconding in the case.

On August 11, 2009, the Secretariat police had registered the judges' detention case against Musharraf on the complaint of advocate Mohammad Aslam Ghumman.

The complainant said that the former president, soon after the imposition of emergency in 2007, had kept 60 judges of the superior courts under detention for over five months at their residences.

Interestingly, despite the prosecution's repeated requests none of the detained judges or their family members testified before the ATC. Moreover, the prosecution did not mention in the FIR names of the judges detained.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed a petition of former president retired Gen Pervez Musharraf seeking to remove the sections of Anti- Terrorism Act (ATA) in judges' detention case.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed a petition of former president retired Gen Pervez Musharraf seeking to remove the sections of Anti- Terrorism Act (ATA) in judges' detention case. A division bench comprising IHC's Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb on Wednesday heard the petition of the former president and subsequently dismissed the plea, The Express Tribune reported. An anti-terrorism court (ATC) had already declared Musharraf proclaimed offender due to continuous non-appearance in the case. The case was registered against him for confining 60 judges of the superior courts for more than five months after the imposition of emergency on November 3, 2007. However, in 2013, a single-member bench of the IHC had ordered the police to invoke the anti-terror law against the former president since detaining judges is an act of terrorism. Musharraf has been abroad since March 2016. The prosecution has laid entire evidence against the accused in this case. However, the trial is standstill as the former leader is absconding in the case. On August 11, 2009, the Secretariat police had registered the judges' detention case against Musharraf on the complaint of advocate Mohammad Aslam Ghumman. The complainant said that the former president, soon after the imposition of emergency in 2007, had kept 60 judges of the superior courts under detention for over five months at their residences. Interestingly, despite the prosecution's repeated requests none of the detained judges or their family members testified before the ATC. Moreover, the prosecution did not mention in the FIR names of the judges detained.

Pakistan: Islamabad High Court rejects plea to drop terrorism charges against Pervez Musharraf

Former Pakistan Finance Minister Abdul Sattar passed away on Sunday. He was 88.

"We are deeply saddened to announce that former foreign minister Abdul Sattar has passed away. He was an illustrious diplomat and an accomplished author," Pakistan`s foreign office said in a statement.

Sattar served as the Foreign minister under then-president Pervez Musharraf government from 1999 to 2002. He was the part of Mussaraf delegation who visited India for the historic Agra Summit in 2001.&nbsp;

Sattar also served as the foreign secretary from 1986-88.

"We offer our profound condolences to the bereaved family and pray for the departed soul," the statement added.

Former Pakistan Finance Minister Abdul Sattar passed away on Sunday. He was 88. "We are deeply saddened to announce that former foreign minister Abdul Sattar has passed away.

Former Pakistan Finance Minister Abdul Sattar passed away on Sunday. He was 88. "We are deeply saddened to announce that former foreign minister Abdul Sattar has passed away. He was an illustrious diplomat and an accomplished author," Pakistan`s foreign office said in a statement. Sattar served as the Foreign minister under then-president Pervez Musharraf government from 1999 to 2002. He was the part of Mussaraf delegation who visited India for the historic Agra Summit in 2001. Sattar also served as the foreign secretary from 1986-88. "We offer our profound condolences to the bereaved family and pray for the departed soul," the statement added.

Former Pakistan's Finance Minister Abdul Sattar passes away

A special anti-terrorism court in Pakistan, hearing the Benazir Bhutto assassination case, on Monday once again sought an explanation from the country's top investigation agency on the transactions in the frozen bank accounts of former military dictator Pervez Musharraf.

The directives were issued to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) during the hearing of the murder case of former prime minister Bhutto, in which the former president, now based in Dubai, is among the accused.

The FIA's prosecutor and investigation officer did not attend the hearing and the court expressed its displeasure over the agency's failure to present details of 75-year-old Musharraf's assets and transactions from his frozen bank accounts, The Express Tribune reported.

Judge Asghar Khan adjourned the hearing till July 27 and ordered the FIA to present an explanation on how transactions were taking place from a frozen account.

The anti-terrorism court has been seeking details of the transactions for months now, the report said.

On February 15, the FIA had submitted details of Musharraf's properties in Pakistan. The agency told the court that its report contained complete details of Musharraf's assets except for some of his bank accounts.

The court had reprimanded the FIA for allowing withdrawal of money from Musharraf's frozen bank accounts and directed it to present a report.

At the time, the court was told that no huge amounts were debited and only bank charges were deducted. However, despite the passage of over three months, the FIA is yet to submit a comprehensive report on the illegal financial activity, the report said.

The court had also issued perpetual warrants for Musharraf's arrest.

The Lahore High Court had suspended the sentence, while the district administration detained the suspects under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law.

According to a report submitted by the FIA in January, Musharraf's assets included a 1,000 square yards plot in Sanghar Housing Society, Gwadar, a farmhouse in Islamabad, agricultural land registered in the name of his wife Sahba Musharraf in Kotha Kalan and Rs120 million in 15 banks accounts.

The court had issued permanent warrants for Musharraf's arrest for deliberately avoiding the hearing and ordered the FIA and district administration to provide details of his property.

Musharraf is also absconding in the high treason case after a special court indicted him in March 2014.

Musharraf left for Dubai in 2016 to "seek medical treatment" and has not returned since.

In February, he was admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction from a rare disease for which he is already under treatment.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had filed the treason case against Musharraf over the president's imposition of extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007.

Musharraf ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008. A conviction for high treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.&nbsp;

A special anti-terrorism court in Pakistan, hearing the Benazir Bhutto assassination case, on Monday once again sought an explanation from the country's top investigation agency on the transactions in the frozen bank accounts of former military dictator Pervez Musharraf.

A special anti-terrorism court in Pakistan, hearing the Benazir Bhutto assassination case, on Monday once again sought an explanation from the country's top investigation agency on the transactions in the frozen bank accounts of former military dictator Pervez Musharraf. The directives were issued to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) during the hearing of the murder case of former prime minister Bhutto, in which the former president, now based in Dubai, is among the accused. The FIA's prosecutor and investigation officer did not attend the hearing and the court expressed its displeasure over the agency's failure to present details of 75-year-old Musharraf's assets and transactions from his frozen bank accounts, The Express Tribune reported. Judge Asghar Khan adjourned the hearing till July 27 and ordered the FIA to present an explanation on how transactions were taking place from a frozen account. The anti-terrorism court has been seeking details of the transactions for months now, the report said. On February 15, the FIA had submitted details of Musharraf's properties in Pakistan. The agency told the court that its report contained complete details of Musharraf's assets except for some of his bank accounts. The court had reprimanded the FIA for allowing withdrawal of money from Musharraf's frozen bank accounts and directed it to present a report. At the time, the court was told that no huge amounts were debited and only bank charges were deducted. However, despite the passage of over three months, the FIA is yet to submit a comprehensive report on the illegal financial activity, the report said. The court had also issued perpetual warrants for Musharraf's arrest. The Lahore High Court had suspended the sentence, while the district administration detained the suspects under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law. According to a report submitted by the FIA in January, Musharraf's assets included a 1,000 square yards plot in Sanghar Housing Society, Gwadar, a farmhouse in Islamabad, agricultural land registered in the name of his wife Sahba Musharraf in Kotha Kalan and Rs120 million in 15 banks accounts. The court had issued permanent warrants for Musharraf's arrest for deliberately avoiding the hearing and ordered the FIA and district administration to provide details of his property. Musharraf is also absconding in the high treason case after a special court indicted him in March 2014. Musharraf left for Dubai in 2016 to "seek medical treatment" and has not returned since. In February, he was admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction from a rare disease for which he is already under treatment. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had filed the treason case against Musharraf over the president's imposition of extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007. Musharraf ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008. A conviction for high treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Pakistan's top probe agency again fails to explain transactions in Pervez Musharraf's frozen accounts

Pakistan's former military dictator Pervez Musharraf has been shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Dubai hospital where he is undergoing treatment. According to reports in Pakistan media, Musharraf's condition is critical.

Musharraf left Pakistan for Dubai for treatment of amyloidosis, a rare condition which has weakened his nervous system, in 2016 and has not returned since.

He was indicted by a special court in Pakistan of high treason in 2014. The previous Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had filed the treason case against Musharraf over the imposition of extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007.

Musharraf has not appeared in court for the trial due to deteriorating health. The special court, which is hearing his case, accepted Musharraf's plea on May 2 to postpone the hearing until the end of Ramzan on June 4, according to a media report. The case will now be heard on June 12, Pakistan media reported.

Last month, Musharraf was admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction from the rare disease for which he is already under treatment.

Giving details of his ailments, his lawyer told the court in an application that Musharraf is suffering from cardiac amyloidosis (congestive heart failure), chronic kidney disease (high creatinine in renal system), excessive somnolence (hypersomnia), spinal injury and fracture.

It stressed that the former president came to Pakistan on March 24, 2013, on his own free will to face the Benazir Bhutto assassination case, judges' detention case and Akbar Bugti case and that the high treason case was initiated subsequent to his arrival in the country.

The application highlighted that Musharraf's absence from the trial court was not deliberate, wilful or an excuse to avoid the ongoing criminal proceedings, the report said.

In the light of genuine life-threatening illness and permission by the government to travel abroad for the treatment, he should not be treated as fugitive or proclaimed offender as was declared through the special court's interim order of June 19, 2016, it said.

According to the latest assessment of his health on April 29 at the American Hospital in Dubai, Musharraf's health has been termed unsafe in case he discontinued treatment and travelled, the application argued.

Pakistan's former military dictator Pervez Musharraf has been shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Dubai hospital where he is undergoing treatment. According to reports in Pakistan media, Musharraf's condition is critical.

Pakistan's former military dictator Pervez Musharraf has been shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Dubai hospital where he is undergoing treatment. According to reports in Pakistan media, Musharraf's condition is critical. Musharraf left Pakistan for Dubai for treatment of amyloidosis, a rare condition which has weakened his nervous system, in 2016 and has not returned since. He was indicted by a special court in Pakistan of high treason in 2014. The previous Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had filed the treason case against Musharraf over the imposition of extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007. Musharraf has not appeared in court for the trial due to deteriorating health. The special court, which is hearing his case, accepted Musharraf's plea on May 2 to postpone the hearing until the end of Ramzan on June 4, according to a media report. The case will now be heard on June 12, Pakistan media reported. Last month, Musharraf was admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction from the rare disease for which he is already under treatment. Giving details of his ailments, his lawyer told the court in an application that Musharraf is suffering from cardiac amyloidosis (congestive heart failure), chronic kidney disease (high creatinine in renal system), excessive somnolence (hypersomnia), spinal injury and fracture. It stressed that the former president came to Pakistan on March 24, 2013, on his own free will to face the Benazir Bhutto assassination case, judges' detention case and Akbar Bugti case and that the high treason case was initiated subsequent to his arrival in the country. The application highlighted that Musharraf's absence from the trial court was not deliberate, wilful or an excuse to avoid the ongoing criminal proceedings, the report said. In the light of genuine life-threatening illness and permission by the government to travel abroad for the treatment, he should not be treated as fugitive or proclaimed offender as was declared through the special court's interim order of June 19, 2016, it said. According to the latest assessment of his health on April 29 at the American Hospital in Dubai, Musharraf's health has been termed unsafe in case he discontinued treatment and travelled, the application argued.

Pervez Musharraf shifted to ICU in Dubai hospital, remains critical: Pakistan media

Pakistan's former military dictator Pervez Musharraf did not turn up for the treason trial against him on Thursday citing deteriorating health and a special court accepted his plea to postpone the hearing until after Ramazan, according to a media report.

The former president's lawyer Salman Safdar, in an application on behalf of Musharraf, stated that despite strong willingness and eagerness to return to Pakistan, the life-threatening ailments and medical complications have forced him not to appear before the special court.

The 75-year-old former president also apologised for not appearing before the court and requested it to postpone the hearing until the end of Ramazan, which falls on June 4.

"Musharraf should be given an opportunity to appear so as to fulfil the requisites of justice," Safdar said.

The counsel further clarified that Musharraf was unable to speak and that he could not respond to the questions in court without his client's assistance.

The three-member bench, headed by Justice Tahira Safdar, admitted Musharraf's plea and adjourned the hearing till June 12, the Dawn reported.

The court also issued a notice to the government over a plea for acquittal of Musharraf in the case.&nbsp;

A special court indicted Gen (Retd) Musharraf for high treason in March 2014. The previous Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had filed the treason case against Musharraf over the imposition of extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007.

Musharraf left for Dubai in 2016 to "seek medical treatment" and has not returned since.

Last month, Musharraf was admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction from a rare disease for which he is already under treatment.

Giving details of his ailments, the application stated that Musharraf is suffering from cardiac amyloidosis (congestive heart failure), chronic kidney disease (high creatinine in the renal system), excessive somnolence (hypersomnia), spinal injury and fracture.

It stressed that the former president came to Pakistan on March 24, 2013, on his own free will to face the Benazir Bhutto assassination case, judges' detention case and Akbar Bugti case and that the high treason case was initiated subsequent to his arrival in the country.

The application highlighted that Musharraf's absence from the trial court was not deliberate, willful or an excuse to avoid the ongoing criminal proceedings, the report said.

In the light of genuine life-threatening illness and permission by the government to travel abroad for the treatment, he should not be treated as a fugitive or proclaimed offender as was declared through the special court's interim order of June 19, 2016, it said.

According to the latest assessment of his health on April 29 at the American Hospital in Dubai, Musharraf's health has been termed unsafe in case he discontinued treatment and travelled, the application argued.

On April 1, the Supreme Court 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. If he failed to appear, the special court is empowered to proceed against him even in his absence.

Pakistan's former military dictator Pervez Musharraf did not turn up for the treason trial against him on Thursday citing deteriorating health and a special court accepted his plea to postpone the hearing until after Ramazan, according to a media report.

Pakistan's former military dictator Pervez Musharraf did not turn up for the treason trial against him on Thursday citing deteriorating health and a special court accepted his plea to postpone the hearing until after Ramazan, according to a media report. The former president's lawyer Salman Safdar, in an application on behalf of Musharraf, stated that despite strong willingness and eagerness to return to Pakistan, the life-threatening ailments and medical complications have forced him not to appear before the special court. The 75-year-old former president also apologised for not appearing before the court and requested it to postpone the hearing until the end of Ramazan, which falls on June 4. "Musharraf should be given an opportunity to appear so as to fulfil the requisites of justice," Safdar said. The counsel further clarified that Musharraf was unable to speak and that he could not respond to the questions in court without his client's assistance. The three-member bench, headed by Justice Tahira Safdar, admitted Musharraf's plea and adjourned the hearing till June 12, the Dawn reported. The court also issued a notice to the government over a plea for acquittal of Musharraf in the case. A special court indicted Gen (Retd) Musharraf for high treason in March 2014. The previous Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had filed the treason case against Musharraf over the imposition of extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007. Musharraf left for Dubai in 2016 to "seek medical treatment" and has not returned since. Last month, Musharraf was admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction from a rare disease for which he is already under treatment. Giving details of his ailments, the application stated that Musharraf is suffering from cardiac amyloidosis (congestive heart failure), chronic kidney disease (high creatinine in the renal system), excessive somnolence (hypersomnia), spinal injury and fracture. It stressed that the former president came to Pakistan on March 24, 2013, on his own free will to face the Benazir Bhutto assassination case, judges' detention case and Akbar Bugti case and that the high treason case was initiated subsequent to his arrival in the country. The application highlighted that Musharraf's absence from the trial court was not deliberate, willful or an excuse to avoid the ongoing criminal proceedings, the report said. In the light of genuine life-threatening illness and permission by the government to travel abroad for the treatment, he should not be treated as a fugitive or proclaimed offender as was declared through the special court's interim order of June 19, 2016, it said. According to the latest assessment of his health on April 29 at the American Hospital in Dubai, Musharraf's health has been termed unsafe in case he discontinued treatment and travelled, the application argued. On April 1, the Supreme Court 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. If he failed to appear, the special court is empowered to proceed against him even in his absence.

Pakistan court adjourns hearing in treason case against Musharraf till June 12

Pakistan's former military dictator Pervez Musharraf, who is facing high treason case, is likely to return to the country on May 1, his lawyer said on Saturday.

A special court indicted General (retd) Musharraf, 75, for high treason in March 2014. He left for Dubai in 2016 to "seek medical treatment" and has not returned since.

Last month, he was admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction from a rare disease for which he is already under treatment.

"Despite his deteriorating medical condition, the former military ruler is determined to appear before the court that had summoned him for the hearing scheduled for May 2," Musharraf's lawyer Salman Safdar told reporters.

"The approval of former president's personal physician had become of utmost importance in the current circumstances, considering his fragile medical condition," Safdar was quoted as saying by the Express-News.

However, family sources have confirmed his arrival date, he added.

Pakistan's Supreme Court, while hearing a plea filed by a lawyer who pointed out that proceedings of the treason case had come to a halt as former president Musharraf had not returned since 2016, on April 1 directed the former military ruler to appear before the special court on May 2.

The three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa also warned him that if he fails to turn up then he will lose his right to record a statement under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedures.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had filed the treason case against Musharraf over the president's imposition of extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007.

The special court declared Musharraf a proclaimed offender and ordered the confiscation of his property owing to his no-show.

Later, on orders of the Supreme Court, Musharraf's passport and national identity card were also cancelled.

Musharraf ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008. A conviction for high treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Pakistan's former military dictator Pervez Musharraf, who is facing high treason case, is likely to return to the country on May 1, his lawyer said on Saturday. A special court indicted General (retd) Musharraf, 75, for high treason in March 2014.

Pakistan's former military dictator Pervez Musharraf, who is facing high treason case, is likely to return to the country on May 1, his lawyer said on Saturday. A special court indicted General (retd) Musharraf, 75, for high treason in March 2014. He left for Dubai in 2016 to "seek medical treatment" and has not returned since. Last month, he was admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction from a rare disease for which he is already under treatment. "Despite his deteriorating medical condition, the former military ruler is determined to appear before the court that had summoned him for the hearing scheduled for May 2," Musharraf's lawyer Salman Safdar told reporters. "The approval of former president's personal physician had become of utmost importance in the current circumstances, considering his fragile medical condition," Safdar was quoted as saying by the Express-News. However, family sources have confirmed his arrival date, he added. Pakistan's Supreme Court, while hearing a plea filed by a lawyer who pointed out that proceedings of the treason case had come to a halt as former president Musharraf had not returned since 2016, on April 1 directed the former military ruler to appear before the special court on May 2. The three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa also warned him that if he fails to turn up then he will lose his right to record a statement under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedures. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had filed the treason case against Musharraf over the president's imposition of extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007. The special court declared Musharraf a proclaimed offender and ordered the confiscation of his property owing to his no-show. Later, on orders of the Supreme Court, Musharraf's passport and national identity card were also cancelled. Musharraf ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008. A conviction for high treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Pervez Musharraf to return to Pakistan on May 1: Lawyer

Pakistan's former military dictator Pervez Musharraf was ordered to appear before a special court on May 2 by the Supreme Court in the high treason case and warned him that he would lose the right of defence if he failed to turn up.

A special court indicted General (retd) Musharraf for high treason in March 2014.

Musharraf, 75, left for Dubai in 2016 to "seek medical treatment" and has not returned since.

Last month, he was admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction from a rare disease for which he is already under treatment.

A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa was hearing a petition filed by a lawyer, who pointed out that the proceedings of the treason case, being heard by a special court since 2014, had come to a halt as the former president Musharraf had not returned to the country since 2016.

"We cannot let the suspect avail the benefit of not appearing before the court deliberately.

High-treason is not an ordinary crime," Chief Justice Khosa reminded the defence counsel.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had filed the treason case against Musharraf over the president's imposition of extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007.

In the previous hearing of the petition, the top court had said that it would intervene if the special court, in its next hearing, failed to make a decision on how to record the former president's statement.

The apex court today said that if Musharraf does not appear before the special court on May 2, he would lose his right to record a statement under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedures.

Musharraf's counsel told the court, "We contacted Musharraf's wife. The former president had set the date for his return as May 13 and he does not want to record his statement via Skype as there are too many documents."

"As Musharraf's counsel, I cannot assure that he will appear before the court on May 2. It is a matter of his health and he is currently undergoing chemotherapy," the former president's lawyer told the court, Geo News reported.

The court further said that if Musharraf does not appear before the special court on May 2, the court should give its decision based off of the prosecution's arguments.

A March 28 order of the special court, calling Musharraf to court on May 2, was also presented in the top court on Monday.

The special court had ordered Musharraf to appear before it on May 2.

At that hearing, defence lawyer Salman Safdar had said that the former president wished to appear in court on May 13.

The three-member bench headed by Justice Tahira Safdar had directed Musharraf to appear in court before Ramazan.

Justice Khosa today said that if a suspect is absent on purpose, any action that follows will not be looked at in the category of an absence.

"A fugitive has no rights," the top judge remarked.

Musharraf's lawyer Safdar, avoided giving a personal guarantee and said that the former president himself wanted to come back and record a statement.

He added that May 13 had been given as the date of Musharraf's return from abroad.

Justice Khosa said that a trial becomes unconstitutional in the absence of a suspect but if a suspect doesn't appear on purpose, he can not be allowed to take advantage of the situation.

The prosecutor told the court that the case was not taking place in the absence of the former president, adding that Musharraf was present in the court when he had been indicted.

The prosecutor said that after Musharraf was summoned, the former president had given assurances of appearing before the court.

The special court declared Musharraf a proclaimed offender and ordered the confiscation of his property owing to his no-show.

Later, on orders of the Supreme Court, Musharraf's passport and national identity card were also cancelled.

Musharraf ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008.

A conviction for high treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Pakistan's former military dictator Pervez Musharraf was ordered to appear before a special court on May 2 by the Supreme Court in the high treason case and warned him that he would lose the right of defence if he failed to turn up.

Pakistan's former military dictator Pervez Musharraf was ordered to appear before a special court on May 2 by the Supreme Court in the high treason case and warned him that he would lose the right of defence if he failed to turn up. A special court indicted General (retd) Musharraf for high treason in March 2014. Musharraf, 75, left for Dubai in 2016 to "seek medical treatment" and has not returned since. Last month, he was admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction from a rare disease for which he is already under treatment. A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa was hearing a petition filed by a lawyer, who pointed out that the proceedings of the treason case, being heard by a special court since 2014, had come to a halt as the former president Musharraf had not returned to the country since 2016. "We cannot let the suspect avail the benefit of not appearing before the court deliberately. High-treason is not an ordinary crime," Chief Justice Khosa reminded the defence counsel. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had filed the treason case against Musharraf over the president's imposition of extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007. In the previous hearing of the petition, the top court had said that it would intervene if the special court, in its next hearing, failed to make a decision on how to record the former president's statement. The apex court today said that if Musharraf does not appear before the special court on May 2, he would lose his right to record a statement under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedures. Musharraf's counsel told the court, "We contacted Musharraf's wife. The former president had set the date for his return as May 13 and he does not want to record his statement via Skype as there are too many documents." "As Musharraf's counsel, I cannot assure that he will appear before the court on May 2. It is a matter of his health and he is currently undergoing chemotherapy," the former president's lawyer told the court, Geo News reported. The court further said that if Musharraf does not appear before the special court on May 2, the court should give its decision based off of the prosecution's arguments. A March 28 order of the special court, calling Musharraf to court on May 2, was also presented in the top court on Monday. The special court had ordered Musharraf to appear before it on May 2. At that hearing, defence lawyer Salman Safdar had said that the former president wished to appear in court on May 13. The three-member bench headed by Justice Tahira Safdar had directed Musharraf to appear in court before Ramazan. Justice Khosa today said that if a suspect is absent on purpose, any action that follows will not be looked at in the category of an absence. "A fugitive has no rights," the top judge remarked. Musharraf's lawyer Safdar, avoided giving a personal guarantee and said that the former president himself wanted to come back and record a statement. He added that May 13 had been given as the date of Musharraf's return from abroad. Justice Khosa said that a trial becomes unconstitutional in the absence of a suspect but if a suspect doesn't appear on purpose, he can not be allowed to take advantage of the situation. The prosecutor told the court that the case was not taking place in the absence of the former president, adding that Musharraf was present in the court when he had been indicted. The prosecutor said that after Musharraf was summoned, the former president had given assurances of appearing before the court. The special court declared Musharraf a proclaimed offender and ordered the confiscation of his property owing to his no-show. Later, on orders of the Supreme Court, Musharraf's passport and national identity card were also cancelled. Musharraf ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008. A conviction for high treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Musharraf to lose defence right in treason case if he fails to appear on May 2: Pak SC

Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf has been admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction from a rare disease that has weakened his nervous system, his party has said.

General (retd) Musharraf, 75, who has been living in Dubai since March 2016, is facing the treason case for suspending the Constitution in 2007, a punishable offence for which he was indicted in 2014.

A conviction for high treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.

The former army chief left for Dubai for medical treatment and has not returned since, citing security and health reasons.&nbsp;

Musharraf was rushed to the hospital as an emergency on Saturday night after his condition suddenly worsened, All Pakistan Muslim League (APML)&nbsp; 
Secretary-General Mehrene Adam Malik said Sunday.

APML Overseas President Afzaal Siddiqui told DawnNewsTV that Musharraf suffered a reaction from amyloidosis, a rare condition for which the former president has been receiving medical care.

According to the party, the former president has been advised complete bed rest by doctors till his full recovery.&nbsp;

Siddiqui informed about Musharraf's illness in October last year, saying the former president's disease has "weakened his nervous system". At the time, he was being treated for the condition in London.

"Due to amyloidosis, broken protein starts getting deposited in various organs," Siddiqui said. "[As a result] Pervez Musharraf has difficulty in standing and walking."

Amyloidosis is a rare disease that occurs when a substance called amyloid builds up in a person's organs. Amyloid is an abnormal protein that is produced in the bone marrow and can be deposited in any tissue or organ.

Amyloidosis can affect different organs in different people. Amyloidosis frequently affects the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system and digestive tract. Severe amyloidosis can lead to life-threatening organ failure.

The APML official had then said that Musharraf's treatment could continue for up to five or six months.

Upon his full recovery, Siddiqui had said, Musharraf intends to return to Pakistan.

Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008, has been declared a fugitive in the Benazir Bhutto assassination case and the Red Mosque cleric killing case.

Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf has been admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction from a rare disease that has weakened his nervous system, his party has said.

Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf has been admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction from a rare disease that has weakened his nervous system, his party has said. General (retd) Musharraf, 75, who has been living in Dubai since March 2016, is facing the treason case for suspending the Constitution in 2007, a punishable offence for which he was indicted in 2014. A conviction for high treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. The former army chief left for Dubai for medical treatment and has not returned since, citing security and health reasons. Musharraf was rushed to the hospital as an emergency on Saturday night after his condition suddenly worsened, All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) Secretary-General Mehrene Adam Malik said Sunday. APML Overseas President Afzaal Siddiqui told DawnNewsTV that Musharraf suffered a reaction from amyloidosis, a rare condition for which the former president has been receiving medical care. According to the party, the former president has been advised complete bed rest by doctors till his full recovery. Siddiqui informed about Musharraf's illness in October last year, saying the former president's disease has "weakened his nervous system". At the time, he was being treated for the condition in London. "Due to amyloidosis, broken protein starts getting deposited in various organs," Siddiqui said. "[As a result] Pervez Musharraf has difficulty in standing and walking." Amyloidosis is a rare disease that occurs when a substance called amyloid builds up in a person's organs. Amyloid is an abnormal protein that is produced in the bone marrow and can be deposited in any tissue or organ. Amyloidosis can affect different organs in different people. Amyloidosis frequently affects the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system and digestive tract. Severe amyloidosis can lead to life-threatening organ failure. The APML official had then said that Musharraf's treatment could continue for up to five or six months. Upon his full recovery, Siddiqui had said, Musharraf intends to return to Pakistan. Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008, has been declared a fugitive in the Benazir Bhutto assassination case and the Red Mosque cleric killing case.

Former Pak President Pervez Musharraf admitted to Dubai hospital after reaction from rare disease: Party

Pakistan intelligence used Jaish-e-Mohammed to carry out attacks in India: Pervez Musharraf

pervez-musharraf

Pervez Musharraf, News on Pervez Musharraf, stories on Pervez Musharraf, articles on Pervez Musharraf, Pervez Musharraf stories at Wion, Pervez Musharraf news, Pervez Musharraf latest news

pervez musharraf