Pak cops say can't even "question" Musharraf, others without special govt order

Islamabad, Aug. 13 (ANI): Even after registration of a case against former President General Pervez Musharraf, the Islamabad Police would not be able to quiz the former general or 'others' mentioned in the First Information Report (FIR), as it requires a special order from the government.

According to senior police officials, Musharraf and his close aides could not be arrested due to certain constitutional and legal implications.

Officials said they do not have the authority to even question the judges who were illegally confined by Musharraf during the emergency in 2007.

They said all of Musharraf's close aides, who have been made a party in the case, would be approached through the heads of their respective departments.

However, legal experts opine that Musharraf could be arrested, as constitutional immunity protected only a sitting president.

"After vacating the presidency, a person could be arrested and prosecuted," The Dawn quoted lawyers, as saying.

A 'weak' FIR has been lodged intentionally to protect the accused from a possible high treason case under Article 6, they added.

It may be noted that lawyers had asked the concerned authorities to register a case against Musharraf and other officials, including the interior minister, interior secretary, chief commissioner, inspector general of police, senior superintendent of police and the deputy commissioner.

A complaint had also been filed in Secretariat police station regarding the detention of the judges in March, 2008. (ANI)