Pakistan may begin impounding Musharraf's assets

Islamabad, Jun 8: Pakistani prosecutors are expected to ask an anti-terrorism court to start proceedings to impound former President Pervez Musharraf's assets following his failure to respond to his designation as a "proclaimed offender" for failing to cooperate in the investigation of Benazir Bhutto's assassination.

Judge Rana Nisar Ahmed of the Rawalpindi-based court had given Musharraf a week to respond to the charges against him after declaring him a proclaimed offender or fugitive on May 30.

Musharraf, currently living in self-exile outside Pakistan, has not submitted his response to the court and no lawyer appeared on his behalf before the judge.

The court had directed the Federal Investigation Agency to print advertisements in national newspapers giving details about the designation of Musharraf as a proclaimed offender and this was done on June 1, officials said.

The advertisements clearly mentioned that the court had set a seven-day deadline for Musharraf to respond to the charges levelled against him. The deadline had expired today, officials said.

The advertisements further said that if Musharraf did not appear in court or appoint a lawyer to appear on his behalf, the procedure to impound his moveable and immovable assets will be started.

Prosecutors from the FIA are expected to ask the court to begin the procedure for impounding Musharraf's assets at the next hearing of the case on June 11.

PTI