AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE

Tuesday 9 April 2013

Last Update 8 April 2013 11:02 pm

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top court summoned former dictator Pervez Musharraf to appear today over allegations of high treason and barred him from leaving the country, dealing another blow to his homecoming.

It is the first time the Supreme Court has summoned a former military ruler over allegations of misconduct in Pakistan. Elections next month will mark the first democratic transition of power in the country’s 66-year history.
Musharraf returned last month from four years of self-imposed exile to stand in the May 11 poll, saying he wants to “save” the nation.

But lawyers sought to have the ex-general face trial under Article Six of the High Treason Act 1973 for imposing emergency rule and arresting judges in 2007.

Lawyer Hamid Khan told the Supreme Court that Musharraf had subverted the constitution and should be “punished with death or be jailed for life.”

Judge Jawad Khawaja said it was the “obligation” of the state to take effective measures against Musharraf “and others who subverted the constitution.”

“The office shall ensure service of notice to the respondents for tomorrow,” Khawaja told the court, referring to both Musharraf and a representative of the state.
Government officials should “ensure that the respondent does not leave the jurisdiction of Pakistan,” the judge added.

Musharraf’s All Pakistan Muslim League party said lawyers were currently deciding whether he would appear in person.

“They will take a final decision. But my personal understanding is that he will not appear in person. He will be represented by his lawyers,” party information secretary Aasia Ishaque told AFP.

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