ISLAMABAD - The special court hearing high treason case against former president Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf Friday directed the Interior Ministry to take measures to bring the former dictator back with the help of Interpol as the accused was continuously avoiding trial against him by adopting delaying tactics.
The court further directed the Interior Ministry to initiate process of suspension of the former president’s identity card and passport.
Expressing disappointment over the government’s inaction to bring Musharraf back, the special court directed the authorities to take measures to seize Musharraf’s movable and immovable properties and bring him back from UAE where he is currently residing.
Tuesday last Musharraf's counsel Akhtar Shah had requested the Interior Ministry to provide foolproof security to the former president on his return.
The officials at the Interior Ministry confirmed they received the request on March 13 and are currently examining it.
The court issued the direction that a report regarding seizure of Musharraf’s assets be submitted on March 21. It also directed the government to furnish a report about the measures taken in the light of the court order on March 21 and adjourned the hearing in the case.
The court directed the counsel for Musharraf to approach the Interior Ministry in connection with appropriate security for him and also file a report on the next date of hearing.
Meanwhile, talking to media persons, All Pakistan Muslim League President Dr Muhammad Amjad said APML Chairman Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf has decided to travel back by the end of April to face trial in the cases pending against him, including the one initiated under Article 6 of the Constitution.
Meanwhile, talking about the order of the special court to suspend CNIC and passport of Pervez Musharraf in order to bring him back in the country, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal said that the departments concerned had been barred from implementing the court order on the assurance of the counsel of Musharraf that he would come back in the country. “If he did not come back within seven days, the order of the special court would be implemented,” the minister said, while talking to journalists in Islamabad on Friday.
MUSHARRAF TO COME BACK IN EIGHT WEEKS: APML
All Pakistan Muslim League President Dr Muhammad Amjad Friday said APML Chairman Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf has decided to come back in next six to eight weeks to face the pending cases against him.
He has also called a meeting of the central leaders of his party in Dubai on March 21 to devise his return strategy, finalise his political programme, including holding of public rallies, and face the pending court cases against him.
His final return plan would be announced after the Dubai meeting on March 21, Dr Amjad said, adding Musharraf was facing serious security threats, so they had already approached the Interior Ministry to provide appropriate security cover to him.
Dr Amjad said the APML chairman was ready to face the court cases against him and will also lead the election campaign for the 2018 general elections.
Applications have been sent to the ministry of interior and ministry of defence for the provision of foolproof security to General Musharraf and it is hoped the government will take appropriate measures in this regard, Dr Amjad stated.
He said not only the APML workers but also the leadership of political alliance, Pakistan Awami Ittehad formed by Musharraf, are enthusiastically awaiting the arrival of General Musharraf as they want him to lead the election campaign.
Bring Musharraf back with Interpol’s help: Court
