'Pak SC competent to declare Musharraf's steps as unconstitutional'

Islamabad, July 30 (ANI): Pakistan's Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Thursday said that the Supreme Court is competent to declare Pervez Musharraf's steps as unconstitutional, but it cannot award punishment because it falls under separate rules of law.

During the hearing of judges appointment case, the CJP said the court wants to dispose of the case by tomorrow.

Akram Shaikh Advocate giving his arguments said Pervez Musharraf violated his oath as Army Chief, so the Army should take action against him under the Army Act.

He said Musharraf who was under the Army oath had no permission to engage in any political activity and the steps he took on November 3, 2007 are unconstitutional.

Shaikh asked the court to suggest the government to administer fresh oaths to Air Chief, Naval Chief and Joint Chiefs, The News reported.

He said the Army should put Musharraf under trial. On this, Rasheed A Rizvi said the Bar has a different stand on the issue; it wants to try Musharraf under Article 6 for treason.

Hamid Khan presenting his arguments before the court said the SC can declare former military ruler Musharraf's steps on November 3, 2007 as unconstitutional and can put him under trial for treason.

Justice Shahid Siddiqui, one of the 14-judges hearing the case, observed that it is up to the Parliament and the nation to try Musharraf. (ANI)