Musharraf treason case: SC determined to interpret Article 6

Published June 7, 2013
pakistan-pervez-musharraf-670
pakistan-pervez-musharraf-670

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed its determination to interpret Article 6 of the Constitution even if the "relevant authority" was reluctant in doing so.

The remarks were made by the three-member bench headed by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja during the hearing of a treason case against former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf.

Justice Khawaja observed that the court wanted to create history by giving a verdict which would be quoted as a precedent in future.

During the course of proceedings, Ahmad Raza Kasuri, counsel for Musharraf, prayed to the bench to direct the Attorney General for Pakistan to take instructions from the newly elected government regarding the case as the caretakers had refused to initiate the case.

Justice Khawaja remarked that the court would perform its duty and pass an appropriate order over the issue even if the authority concerned would not be interested to initiate the case under Article 6.

He reaffirmed the case would be heard in a free and fair manner so that no one could raise any objection against any decision.

The SC judge further stated that the court would provide an opportunity to all the petitioners to present their viewpoint.

A K Dogar, counsel for petitioner Maulvi Iqbal Haider, terming Musharraf's action of November 3, 2007 of imposing emergency as illegal and unconstitutional, said no parliament will validate such an illegal action.

Dogar completed his arguments and the court directed Ikram Chaudhry, counsel for another petitioner, to argue the case on next date of hearing.

The bench subsequently adjourned the hearing of case till June 24.

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