Musharraf appears before court in Pakistan for treason trial

Islamabad, Feb 18: After having skipped numerous hearings earlier, former

military ruler General

finally appeared before a special court here conducting his treason trial.

A three-judge bench, headed by Justice Faisal Arab, has been formed by the government to try the former dictator on charges of high treason for imposing emergency in 2007.

The former military ruler was driven to the court in a long motorcade from the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) Rawalpindi amidst tight security of over 1,200 security personnel deployed along the route, reported media. His 17-vehicle cavalcade included a bullet-proof car, pilot vehicles and an ambulance. Over 400 personnel were also deployed at the court premises.

Jammers were installed and the Bomb Disposal Squad had carried out a thorough check inside the court premises prior to Musharraf's arrival.

The court had summoned him today warning that a non-bailable arrest warrant would be issued if he fails to turn up.

This is the first time in Pakistan's history that a former military dictator is facing trial for treason. If convicted, Musharraf could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.

OneIndia News