News
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
AGP seeks govt’s instructions on Musharraf treason trial* Writes letter to government for written instructions on pending petitions against ex-president
By Hasnaat Malik
ISLAMABAD: The newly appointed attorney general of Pakistan, Munir A Malik, has decided to seek written instructions from the federal government about the pending petitions seeking trial of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf under Article 6 of the constitution which deals with high treason.
Talking to media persons at his office, the AGP said that he is writing a letter to the government today (Monday) for its written instructions about the pending petitions against Musharraf. Responding to a question whether he had sought any instructions from the Nawaz Sharif government regarding trial of Musharraf under Article 6, Munir Malik said he believed in written communication and instructions and would seek the point of view of the elected government.
There are fears that international powers may influence the PML-N to acquit Musharraf in the treason case. It must be noted that former AGP Irfan Qadir on May 9 expressed apprehension before the Supreme Court that there would be serious political repercussions and ramifications if legal proceedings were initiated against Musharraf. On the other hand, during the general elections campaign, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif said that the plight of the former army chief should serve as an example to other top brass who may be planning a take over.
Nawaz had recalled how the former army chief toppled his government in a bloodless coup in 1999. He said Pakistan was undergoing a transition, adding that this accountability which is now taking place is itself a lesson to all those who have any such designs for the future. Lahore High Court Bar Association Rawalpindi President Taufiq Asif said that if the court directs the newly elected federal government to initiate proceedings against Musharraf then it would be bound to implement its order.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Bar Council Vice Chairman Qulbi Hassan opines that initiating proceedings against Musharraf under Article 6 of the constitution is the biggest challenge for the newly elected government, but he added that the former president should be given a fair trial. Meanwhile, one section of lawyers’ community says that the newly elected government should focus on economic issues rather than wasting time in Musharraf’s case. A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja, will resume hearing of Musharraf treason case on June 24.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk