Treason case: Court asks federal govt to take measures for Musharraf's arrest

ISLAMABAD: The special court hearing the treason case against former president Pervez Musharraf Friday ordered the federal government to take special measures for bringing the former president back from the United Arab Emirates.

The three-member special court headed by Peshawar Court Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and comprising Lahore High Court Chief Justice Yawar Ali and Balochistan High Court Justice Tahira Sardar issued a written order.

The special court ordered that the interior ministry should take action for the arrest of the former military ruler through the Interpol. It also ruled that the federal government should take measures for the confiscation of assets of Musharraf.

“In case the accused fails to submit his written request as mentioned here in above the ministry of interior and all other departments, divisions and agencies of the Government of Pakistan are to take positive steps in ensuring the arrest of the accused and attachment of his properties abroad, including suspension of the CNIC and passport of the accused,” four-page order said.

The order also said that Akhtar Shah, the counsel for Musharraf, stated that his client intends to appear before the court but he should be provided security by the defence ministry.

“This court is alive to the request made by counsel for accused and in case, the accused intends to appear before this court on March 21, he may within seven days approach the ministry of interior in writing for the requisite protection that was offered by the head of prosecution on May 19, 2017,” the order read.

The special court in its order directed that in case Musharraf failed to submit his written request seeking security, the interior ministry and all other departments, divisions and agencies were to take positive steps in ensuring the arrest of the accused and attachment of his properties abroad, including suspension of the passport and CNIC of the accused.