High treason case hearing against Musharraf adjourned till Dec 5

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – A special trial court in Islamabad on Thursday adjourned the high treason case against former president Pervez Musharraf till December 5. During the hearing, the court has remarked that this case will not be delayed after December 5 and the hearing will be conducted on the daily basis. The court also expressed anger for not submitting the written reply by Musharraf’s government lawyer. Musharraf’s lawyer adopted a stance, “We filed an acquittal plea.” To reply, Justice Waqar Ahmed Seth remarked, “You have not read our directions and said that will not comment over the IHC’s decision. The high court ordered to appoint prosecution till December 5. We will not give more time after the Dec 5. The court also stated that the hearing of high treason case will be continued on daily basis. Jusitce Waqar also said that Pervez Musharraf can come and record his statement before next hearing. The court also mentioned that no application can be filed after next hearing. Earlier, the trial court had reserved verdict of high treason case against former president Pervez Musharraf. During the hearing, the court has remarked that Musharraf’s lawyers can submit their written arguments regarding the case till November 26. Meanwhile, the court will announce its verdict against Musharraf in the high treason case on November 28. On October 24, the government has sacked the 22-member prosecution team handling the high treason case against Musharraf. 92 News has obtained a copy of the notification regarding the sacking of the prosecution team. The Interior Ministry has issued the notification on October 23. The sacked prosecution team includes the research assistant. Earlier, a special court rejected former president Pervez Musharraf’s pleas for his acquittal and a delay in the high treason case. Announcing the reserved verdict on Wednesday, the court withdrew the right of Pervez Musharraf to defence in court. The court ruled that trial could not be postponed due to illness of an accused. It remarked that they cannot give more opportunity to Musharraf on the order of the Supreme Court. The court ruled that trial could not be postponed due to illness of an accused. It remarked that they cannot give more opportunity to Musharraf on the order of the Supreme Court. The court remarked that Musharraf could the lawyer of his choice if he surrenders to the law. The former army chief, who took power in 1999, is facing a treason trial under Article 6 of the Constitution as well as Section 2 of the High Treason Act on a complaint moved by the federal government. The trial court, in line with the Supreme Court’s (SC) directive, was scheduled to record Musharraf’s statement to complete the trial but he could not appear before the court due to medical reasons. He was booked in the treason case in December 2013 and was indicted for high treason by a special court in March 2014, but he left for Dubai in 2016 to “seek medical treatment” and has not returned since.