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Verdict over Musharraf’s six petitions tomorrow
APP
ISLAMABAD: The special court constituted to try Pervez Musharraf for high treason would announce its verdict about his counsels six different petitions tomorrow (Friday).
The three-member bench of the special court headed by Justice Faisal Arab resumed the hearing of the case against Musharraf for breaching the constitution by imposing emergency in the country on November 3, 2007. During Wednesday’s proceedings, the special court reserved the decision over the issue of the biasness of judges raised by Anwar Manoor Khan, counsel for the accused.
Anwar Mansoor argued over the petition filed against the alleged biasness of the judges in the treason case. He also argued that Justice Faisal Arab disposed of his client’s election petition from the Sindh High Court and barred him from participating in general elections. Musharraf’s counsel said that the judge accused of prejudice should recuse, adding that a bench of unbiased judges was a prerequisite for fair trial. In his remarks Justice Faisal Arab said that the court would formulate the guiding principle as on what bases judges should dissociate themselves from the hearing.
Anwar Mansoor said that Chile’s former military dictator General Augusto Pinochet accused judges of biasness and got relief from his country’s courts. He said that many cases can be quoted when judges recused after allegations of biasness. On this, Justice Faisal Arab asked Anwar Mansoor to submit details of the case that he was referencing. Anwar Mansoor completed his arguments relating to the two “biased judges” in the bench.
Some journalists from different organisations also appeared before the bench and complained that on Tuesday’s hearing they were stopped from entering the court room, as security passes were issued after proper scrutiny. Justice Faisal Arab directed them to submit their application. Later, after hearing the arguments the court reserved judgement and adjourned hearing till Friday.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk