Fair trial requirements not fulfilled in Musharraf treason case: AG

Dunya News

Dr Firdous said that harmony among the institutions is the need of the hour.

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Tuesday said that some politicians were busy in criticising the institutions as defence and national sovereignty institution were being targeted.

Addressing a press conference along with Attorney General Anwar Mansoor in Islamabad on Tuesday, she said that armed forces have rendered unmatched sacrifices for the country’s sovereignty and harmony among the institutions is the need of the hour.

The special assistant said that it is the need of the hour to boost the morale of our soldiers, adding that Pakistan Army has played a key role in promoting democracy.

Dr Firdous said we are trying to overcome challenges through joint civil-military efforts, adding that the global institutions are also acknowledging Pakistan s economic stability.

She went on to say that some politicians were busy in defaming the institutions, adding that those who took oath from the former president were celebrating the court verdict against Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf.

On the occasion, Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan said that according to the article 10 (A) of the constitution, fair trial is right of every citizen of the state but Pervez Musharaf was convicted in absentia. "The requirements for a fair trial under Article 10-A have not been fulfilled," said the attorney general. "It is not only that a fair trial must be held but also that it is seen to be fair."

He said that Musharraf’s trial was held in his absence and when it was known that Musharraf was not present in the country then why was the decision announced in the case.

Earlier, Dr Firdous said that the stance of government regarding special court verdict on treason case against former president Pervez Musharraf will come forth after discussion with the legal team.

In a statement, the special assistant said that strategy with respect to the verdict will be devised soon after Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan returns Pakistan from Geneva.

It is to be mentioned here that special court in Islamabad has sentenced former president and top military official Pervez Musharraf to death in high treason case.

A three-member bench comprising Chief Justice of Peshawar High Court (PHC) Waqar Seth, Justice Nazar Akbar of Sindh High Court (SHC) and Justice Shahid Karim of Lahore High Court (LHC) has announced the verdict that was reserved on December 5.

During the hearing, Justice Seth said that ex-president has been found guilty of violating the Article 6 of the Constitution by clamping the state of emergency on November 3, 2007.

The verdict was split 2-1 and a detailed verdict will be issued in 48 hours.

The defence lawyer said that Pervez Musharraf, who is currently residing in Dubai, has been informed about the decision and that he will challenge the special court’s judgment.