In a temporary relief to former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan’s interim government on Monday refused to put him on trial for treason for violating the Constitution, saying such a move was not part of its mandate.
The caretaker administration, formed last month to conduct the May 11 general election, conveyed its position in a reply submitted to the Supreme Court. Several lawyers have filed petitions seeking Musharraf’s trial for treason and the apex court had asked the government to state its position on the issue.
In its reply, caretaker Government refused to put Musharraf, on trial for treason under Article 6 of Constitution. The Government said considering, deliberating or commencing any legal proceedings under Article 6 will be a move that is not part of its mandate. The reply further said Government was busy providing security to candidates contesting upcoming polls to national and provincial Assemblies.
An apex court bench headed by Justice Jawwad Khwaja, which is hearing the petitions against Musharraf, expressed its displeasure at the interim Government’s reply.