ISLAMABAD: The special court seized with a high treason case has summoned the interior secretary to learn about the steps taken by the federal government to produce former military ruler General Pervez Musharraf before the court, the sole accused in the case.

The special court, headed by Lahore High Court Chief Justice Justice Yawar Ali, resumed proceedings of the case on Monday.

The court was informed that lead prosecutor Mohammad Akram Sheikh had dissociated himself from the case. The court also examined progress on its March order in which specific directives were issued for the arrest of Mr Mushar­raf, confiscation of his properties and blocking of his passport and computerised national identity card (CNIC).

It may be mentioned that the special court had on March 8 directed the interior ministry to suspend the CNIC and passport of Mr Musharraf, besides asking the federal government to get the former military ruler extradited with the help of Interpol.

During the proceedings, the counsel for Mr Mushar­raf, Akhtar Shah, informed the court that the former military ruler was ready to join the trial proceedings if he was provided security by the defence ministry.

According to the counsel, Mr Musharraf’s life is in danger as there had been two attempts on his life — one in an Islamabad court and the other in Quetta during the Akbar Bugti murder case hearing.

“Since there is a non-bailable warrant out against Mushar­raf, providing him security is the government’s responsibility,” Justice Nazar Akbar observed.

Justice Yawar observed that the prosecution had submitted evidence against Mr Mushar­raf and he was now required to testify under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code. He said it was up to the court to decide whether a trial could be held in Mr Mushar­raf’s absence.

The court summoned the interior secretary on Aug 29 and adjourned proceedings.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2018