Pervez Musharraf sentenced to death

A special court on Tuesday ordered death sentence to former president Pervez Musharraf in High treason case.

A three-member bench of the special court handed death sentence to former president.

Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth headed the bench and took up the high treason case.

Three of the two judges supported the verdict.

On behalf of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, the prosecution team, led by Advocate Ali Zia Bajwa, prayed upon the court to amend the indictment against the former military ruler.

Bajwa said the government wants to frame charges against former prime minister Shaukat Aziz, Abdul Hamid Dogar, and Zahid Hamid. “It is imperative for all accused to be tried simultaneously. The aiders and abettors should be tried as well.”

The bench remarked that the Supreme Court had already decided on the matter and gave the government two weeks to submit a new charge sheet.

Justice Karim also wondered whether the government was using delaying tactics in the treason case against Musharraf.

He said the government should file a new complaint if it wanted to add additional names in the high treason trial.

When Justice Waqar told the prosecutor to present his arguments in the case, Bajwa requested for further time to file a formal request.

“If you cannot present arguments then leave the rostrum,” said an irked Justice Waqar.

The bench again observed that the special court was only bound to follow the apex court’s judgments and not the judgement originating from high courts.

During the hearing, Musharraf’s counsel Raza Bashir also sought 15 to 20 days for his client to record a statement under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPc). “Musharraf deserves a right to fair trial,” he said.

Justice Akbar noted that the former army chief had been provided six opportunities to record a statement but he failed to appear.

Justice Waqar added that the special court had allowed Musharraf to appear before the bench at his convenience as well.

“Musharraf deserves a right to defend himself,” reiterated Bashir.

“The prosecution team and his counsel are both already defending him before the bench,” observed Justice Akbar.

The special court will review the request to form a commission over matter pertaining to recording Musharraf’s statement under Section 342.