Govt, not court let Musharraf go: SC

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has sought report from the special court seized with hearing of high reason case against former military ruler Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf over delay in completing the trial.

The court has also sought response from the government over the measures it has taken to bring the former president back to Pakistan.

According to Geo News, the orders came as a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khosa heard a review petition filed by the Lahore High Court Bar Association.

At the onset of the hearing, the CJ remarked that case was registered   and the trial was underway.

Complainant Taufiq Asif told the court that Musharraf was abroad and the trial has been halted.

The CJ then asked what government has done to bring back  Pervez Musharaf.

 “It was said the court let him go. It was government not the court that let him go. The court had left it to the government,” the CJ was quoted as saying. 

He said the court ordered government to allow  Musharraf to go abroad.

The chief justice said Pervez Musharraf could record his statement through Skype if he is not able to return. 

He said testimony could be recorded through video link too. 

“Should government become a hostage at the hands of a suspect? Does  court become helpless if suspect refuses to appear?,” he was reported to have asked.

Report sought

The Supreme Court issued orders for Registrar of the Special Court asking him to state the reason behind the delay in trial.

The court also issued notices to all the parties in the case and Attorney General asking them to submit their replies. 

 The court asked Attorney General to inform the court about the measures the  government has taken to bring back Musharraf.