Islamabad, October 2
Irked by former dictator Pervez Musharraf’s failure to come back to Pakistan and face ongoing cases against him, Chief Justice Saqib Nisar on Tuesday warned that if the “courageous commando” does not appear soon, he may be forced to return in a disgraceful manner.
Chief Justice Nisar made the remarks when Musharraf’s lawyer told the three-judge bench that his client “respects the court” but was unable to return due to his medical condition and reservations over the provision of security, Dawn newspaper reported.
Musharraf, 75, who has been living in Dubai since 2016, is facing the high-profile treason case for suspending the Constitution in 2007. The former military ruler left for Dubai in March 2016 for medical treatment and has not returned since.
His lawyer told the court that there were no charges against the former president in the Lal Masjid operation case and demanded to know what the case against his client was, the paper reported.
He may not face any charges in the Lal Masjid case, but he is facing a treason case for which he must appear in court, replied Chief Justice Nisar.
“Why is the courageous commando not returning?” he asked. “I told you before that if he returns, he will be provided security,” the top judge said. He also advised that the former dictator should get medical treatment in Pakistan, the paper said.
“I am giving you this assurance. It is the assurance of the highest court in the country,” Chief Justice Nisar said and added that: “As long as (Musharraf) is alive, it is his duty to appear before the court.” He further said that it was not acceptable for a citizen to leave the country and not return while a case against them is underway in courts.
The chief justice also promised that the former military ruler would not be arrested upon his return, and that whatever the outcome of the cases, it would be strictly in line with the law.
The court ordered Musharraf’s lawyer to submit his medical report within a week and adjourned the hearing until October 11.
Last week, Muhammad Amjad, a leader of the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) — a political party floated by Musharraf in 2010 — had said that the former president was “growing weaker rapidly” due to an unspecified illness and, therefore, could not return to Pakistan.
The former Army chief has been declared an absconder due to his persistent failure to appear before a special trial court set up to try him in the case. — PTI
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