ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court (SC) while rejecting plea filed by counsel for former president Pervez Musharraf seeking adjournment in high treason case has remarked Pervez Musharraf used to show punches to nation and if he does not appear before the court then the court will itself decide.
A 3-member bench of SC presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Asif Saeed Khosa took up the case for hearing Monday.
The court proposed 3 options for Pervez Musharraf to record his statement . First option was that Pervez Musharrsaf should appear in the court and record his statement. Second option is that if he does not appear before the court then he should record his statement on Skype. The third option was that if he does not record his statement on skype due to ailment then his counsel should record statement on his behalf.
The court rejected Pervez Musharraf plea in connection with adjournment of the case remarking if no option among these three options is pursued then court will decide itself.
The CJP remarked Pervez Musharraf used to show punches. There was an idea that he would admit into hospital.
The counsel for petitioner said Pervez Musharraf had not taken court seriously. He is playing with the court.
CJP remarked “ question is this one accused is not appearing before the court. Then what can be done. If an accused does not appear deliberately then is the court fully helpless. If law is silent in this regard then constitution authorizes the court.
The counsel for Musharraf said Pervez Musharraf went abroad with the permission of government.
The CJP remarked “ governments have their own priorities. The priority of court is only law. It can not happen so that the accused escapes the justice system. This is very wrong impression being created that some people are above law.
CJP remarked “ if law is silent then SC will find out solution. Better solution is this that the accused should be provided another chance. If he does not come then opportunity be provided to him to record his statement on skype. If he does not record his statement through skype due to ailment then questions/answers should be made from his counsel. To my view, his counsel will give better reply.
He remarked “ we will not allow any wrong thing to be made precedent which gave impression that some people are above law. Trial will take place at every cost. Musharraf is in his full senses as he has given wise statements on Pakistan-India issue. He can give statements and interview on other subjects.
The hearing of the case was adjourned till April 01.
