Islamabad (October 02, 2018): Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday has sought medical report of former President, Pervez Musharraf and assured not to arrest him in any case until he appears in the court, however CJP remarked that the Supreme Court will continue issuing red warrants if Pervez Musharraf does not return to Pakistan.
During the hearing of National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) case, defence lawyer Akhtar Shah told that his client Musharraf is suffering from some serious disease.
Click Play Button To Watch This Video
As the case’s hearing went under way today, the former president’s counsel Akhtar Shah apprised the court that he had talked to his client on September 27. “Musharraf has medical and security issues but he has promised that he will return,” Shah said.
Further, the defense counsel contended that his client was not accused in the Lal Masjid case. “Musharraf has not been indicted,” Shah said.
Responding to the former president’s lawyer, Justice Nisar said: “I had earlier told you that nobody will arrest Musharraf. He should record his statement in the treason case before a special court.”
The top judge further remarked that the courts could not allow Musharraf to reject their authority. “If Musharraf will continue to stay abroad, we will keep issuing red warrants,” Justice Nisar said.
During the hearing, Shah informed the bench that his client was suffering from an ailment of a serious nature. To this, Justice Nisar said that Musharraf should get his ailment treated. “I too am suffering from a painful backache. We have arrangements for top-of-the-line treatment for Musharraf’s ailment here,” he said.
The court said if Musharraf is suffering from back pain, then he will be treated.
Chief Justice of Pakistan said Pervez Musharraf should appear before the court, he will be given due respect, why the commando is not returning to country volunteer? asked CJP.
The top judge further remarked that the courts could not allow Musharraf to reject their authority. “If Musharraf will continue to stay abroad, we will keep issuing red warrants,” Justice Nisar said.
“Musharraf must avoid any situation where he may have to return to Pakistan in a way that will cause embarrassment,” the judge remarked adding that the former president and Ishaq Dar are both hiding in foreign countries.
Moreover, Justice Nisar said Musharraf will be provided with security no matter where he lands in Pakistan. “We are granting him a protective bail,” he added.
The hearing was then adjourned till October 11.
Earlier on September 25, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar questioned when former president Pervez Musharraf would return to the country.
In response to the chief justice’s question, the former president’s counsel, Akhtar Shah, said, “Musharraf can return if restrictions are not imposed on his travel.”
Click Play Button To Watch This Video
To this, the chief justice remarked, “His name has not been removed from the Exit Control List.”
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar assured Ex-President, Pervez Musharraf about the security of rangers upon his arrival.
During the hearing, the top judge directed former president Pervez Musharraf to record his statement in National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) case.
CJP assured to provide Rangers security to the ex-president on his arrival in Pakistan and also directed to facilitate him with the doctor of his choice.
Won’t ask about assets from Musharraf, he affirmed.
CJP has also ordered to reopen former army general’s farmhouse in Chak Shahzad.
Meanwhile, responding to a question related to Musharraf’s return, defence lawyer said that his client is not a coward man.
Court asked to submit reply about Musharraf’s return within a week.
Earlier on August 28, Akhter Shah, the lawyer of former president Pervez Musharraf told the court that his client can’t appear before the court due to illness in Dubai.
“Doctors bar Musharraf to travel due to illness,” the former dictator’s lawyer told the special court during the hearing of high treason case against Pervez Musharraf.
Click Play Button To Watch This Video
He informed the court that security threats were another reason behind the decision to not return to Pakistan.
“Musharraf binds interior ministry security for his return to Pakistan,” Musharraf counsel told the court.
Mr Musharraf, 74, who has been in exile in Dubai and London since 2016, is facing several cases in the Supreme Court and high courts, including one for treason for allegedly subverting the constitution.
Background Of Case:
Nominating Musharraf, Zardari and Qayyum as respondents, petitioner Feroz Shah Gilani had requested the court in April to order recovery of ‘huge amounts of public money’ misappropriated and wasted by them through unlawful means ‘already on record in different judgments of the Supreme Court and high court’.
He had contended that Musharraf subverted the Constitution by declaring emergency followed by the promulgation of the NRO, through which criminal and corruption cases against politicians, including Zardari, were “arbitrarily withdrawn”.
Related News:
