Advocate Akram Sheikh finds fault with court order in Musharraf treason case

ISLAMABAD: The head of prosecution team Senior Advocate Muhammad Akram Sheikh after considering the order observed that prima facie the order was in conflict with the letter and spirit of the judgment of the Supreme Court delivered by a three-member Bench headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khan Khosa, directing proceeding with the Musharraf trial without any delay or delinquency, says a press release. He also commented that the trial had not commenced in absèntia as Musharraf’s lawyer had extensively cross examined all the prosecution/complainant, witnesses and announcement of final verdict did not require the presence of the accused.

He further commented that the object of criminal trial is not the confiscation of properties for absence or absconsion but visiting him for the penalties provided by law for the substantial offence committed by him and the steps for confiscation of properties on account of absconsion are barely peripheral.

“Therefore, in my respectful view the judgment of the special court is seriously flawed for adjourning the case until arrest or surrender of the accused.”