Ex Pakistani president to face treason trial

The ex President of Pakistan General (retired) Pervez Musharraf has to face treason cases filed against him in Supreme Court after his return to the country. A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court, seeking proceedings against the former military ruler under Article 6 of the Constitution of Pakistan on Saturday. Abdul Hakeem Khan, former vice-chairman Pakistan Bar Council, filed the petition that said Musharraf had illegally placed judges of the superior courts under house arrest during his rule. The ex President returned to Pakistan on March 24th by ending up his self imposed exile. He returned to Pakistan to lead his political party All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) to contest in the upcoming general elections in the country. On his return, attorneys of the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA), Rawalpindi Bench, Taufiq Asif, and Maulvi Iqbal Haider filed the petitions against the former President under Article 184(3) of the Constitution. Musharraf took over the administrative control of the country by sacking the government of Nawaz Sharif in October 1999 and remained President till 2008. On Friday, a petition was also filed in the Supreme Court by former president of the LHCBA Rawalpindi Bench, Ahsan-ud-Din Sheikh, praying for directing the Federation to prosecute him under sections 2 and 3 of the High Treason (Punishment) Act 1973. The former President has submitted his nomination papers for four seats of Lower House to contest in upcoming general elections on May 11th. The former city mayor, Nazim Naimatullah Khan, who has to contest election against Musharraf has submitted objection over his eligibility to contest elections. The Election Commission of Pakistan will consider the objection and take the decision according to Constitution of Pakistan. The Supreme Court will hear the petition against the Ex President on Monday.