ISLAMABAD: The special court seized with the high treason case against former military ruler retired Gen Pervez Musharraf has ordered the federal government to take measures for his arrest and suspend his CNIC (computerised national identity card) and passport.

The interior minister, on the other hand, has given Mr Musharraf a week to surrender, warning him that after the expiry of the deadline his CNIC and passport would be blocked as per the directive of the special court.

The three-judge special court headed by Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Yahya Afridi directed the interior ministry and all other departments, divisions and agencies of the government to take steps for the arrest of the accused (Mr Musharraf) and attachment of his properties abroad.

“Furthermore, the ministry of interior shall also make requisite request to the Interpol for the issuance of appropriate warrants for his arrest and for his production before this court,” according to the court order issued on March 8, but its details were released on Friday.

The written order of the special court expressed dismay over “inaction of the federal government in taking positive steps to ensure arrest of the accused/proclaimed offender (Mr Musharraf) and attachment of his known properties abroad”.

Former military ruler seeks security upon return

Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, while talking to reporters in Islamabad on Friday, said the National Database and Registration Authority as well as the Directorate General of Immigration and Passport had been restrained from suspending the CNIC and passport of Mr Musharraf because it was expected that he would agree to return to Pakistan.

The counsel for Mr Musharraf had informed the special court that the former military ruler was ready to join trial proceedings if the government provided him security from the defence ministry.

During the hearing on this matter on March 8, head of prosecution Advocate Mohammad Akram Sheikh suggested to the special court that blocking the CNIC and passport of Mr Musharraf would restrict his movement.

It may be mentioned that Mr Musharraf was issued a diplomatic passport bearing number 0848365 from the Pakistani consulate in Dubai on Jan 5. The passport is valid up to Jan 4, 2023, sources in the interior ministry said.

Advocate Sheikh had also suggested that the UAE government might be asked to hand over the accused (Mr Musharraf) under the extradition treaty. He, however, urged the court to conclude the treason trial even in the absence of the accused, reminding that recently a high-profile person was facing ex parte proceeding before an accountability court. Advocate Sheikh was referring to the case of defunct finance minister Ishaq Dar who proceeded abroad for medical treatment, but never came back.

Earlier on March 8, the interior ministry informed the court that four out of seven properties owned by Mr Musharraf were disputed since spouse of the former dictator Sehba Musharraf, his daughter Ayla Raza and another relative Hidayatullah Kheshgi claimed co-ownership of his properties.

Meanwhile, Dr Mohammad Amjad, president of Gen Musharraf’s All Pakistan Muslim League, said on Friday that the former military ruler had decided to return country in six to eight weeks.

He said Mr Musharraf was ready to face all cases against him.

He said the party leadership had called a meeting on March 21 in Dubai to finalise arrangements for Mr Musharraf’s return to Pakistan.

He said Mr Musharraf would lead the party’s campaign for the coming general elections in the country.

Published in Dawn, March 17th, 2018