Pak govt to go ahead with Musharraf's trial: Report

Islamabad, June 2:The Pakistan government has decided to go ahead with the trial of former dictator Pervez Musharraf in the Supreme Court on a charge of high treason for abrogating the Constitution and imposing emergency rule in November 2007, according to a media report today.

The government will support measures to uphold the Constitution and rule of law instead of saving Musharraf from trial on a charge of high treason, an unnamed federal minister was quoted as saying by The News daily.

The minister, who holds an "important portfolio in the cabinet", said in line with PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif's indication before his appointment as Prime Minister, the government will support Musharraf's trial for high treason.

The minister told The News that the PML-N government would ensure that the apex court's decision in the case is implemented.

Under the law, the Interior Secretary has to lodge a complaint against Musharraf under the Article 6 of the Constitution and the High Treason (Punishment) Act of 1973 for subverting or abrogating the Constitution.

The new Attorney General, Munir A Malik, met Sharif a few days ago to ascertain the government’s stance on the issue of putting Musharraf on trial under Article 6 of the Constitution, which relates to treason.

The meeting was held decide the government's position when the case against Musharraf is taken up for hearing by the apex court on June 24.

Former Attorney General Irfan Qadir, while representing the caretaker government that conducted the polls on May 11, had submitted a statement saying that the interim administration was not interested in prosecuting Musharraf.

He further contended that the next elected government should decide the matter.

PTI