ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) was informed on Monday by the interim government that it was not in its mandate to initiate proceedings against former President Pervez Musharraf under Article 6 of the Constitution.
The caretaker government said it had a limited mandate, which was mainly to ensure the holding of a free and fair election.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja of the apex court was hearing the treason case against Pervez Musharraf on Monday.
During proceedings, Attorney General of Pakistan Irfan Qadir said that under the constitution interim government is only responsible to run day-to-day affairs of the government.
“Interim govt does not have mandate to try Musharraf under Article 6,” Qadir said. He informed the court that the interim government has refused to try Musharraf under Article 6.
The retired general is currently residing in his farmhouse at Chak Shehzad which was declared a sub-jail last week.
Prior to the hearing, the counsels representing Musharraf said that they weren’t allowed to meet their client, deterring them from receiving fresh instructions on the case, despite permission from the SC.
The Adiala Jail administration is managing the detention responsibilities of Musharraf at his residence.
Legal analysts believe that this case will prevent aspiring military dictators to overthrow democratic governments and suspend the Constitution. However, some politicians are cautioning that the trial may open a Pandora’s box.
DND
