ISLAMABAD, May 24: Former president General (retired) Pervez Musharraf on Friday filed an appeal in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the rejection of his bail application in judges’ detention.

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Judge Syed Kausar Abbas Zaidi on May 22 rejected the post arrest bail of Gen Musharraf, observing that the former president was facing terrorism charges and if provided the bail he could influence the investigation.

In the appeal, Gen Musharraf through his counsel Ilyas Siddiqui contended that the ATC judge had made certain observations against his client who was a former president and the military chief.

The appeal contended that being president of Pakistan Gen Musharraf was the supreme commander of the armed forces and he could not be a terrorist.

It said that the persons so far examined by the police were not relevant.

“Neither any order of the petitioner nor any evidence is available on record to say that the petitioner was the person who has detained the judges of the superior judiciary or put them under restraint,” it added.

According to the appeal, the offence under which former president was booked was section 344 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) which was a bailable offence but the section of Anti Terrorism Act (ATA) were incorporated in the challan on the directions of the court.

“Even complainant of the case has withdrawn the allegations and has shown reluctance to pursue the case at a press conference,” the appeal maintained.

It contended that the custody of Gen Musharraf was no more required for further investigation and there is no apprehension that he might abscond or tamper with the prosecution evidence and requested the court to release the former president on bail.

The IHC registrar office has accepted the petition and it is likely to be heard by a two members’ division bench on Monday.