Former Pakistan Army Chief General Pervez Musharraf given death sentence in high treason case

A special court in Islamabad handed the death penalty to Musharraf on Tuesday

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Published:  December 17, 2019 11:12Ashfaq Ahmed, Associate Editor - Online

  

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File picture of Pervez Musharraf. This is the first time in the history of Pakistan that a former army chief has been handed the death sentence. The special court order is subject to appeal.Image Credit: Gulf News Archive

SO FAR AND WHAT'S NEXT

• Musharraf has been on trial for subverting the Constitution by promulgating state of emergency in the country on November 3, 2007. 
• Musharraf is currently living in Dubai. His team can appeal the verdict in the Supreme Court.
• Musharraf is suffering from amyloidosis, a rare disease caused by a build-up of an abnormal protein called amyloid in organs and tissues throughout the body.

Dubai: Former Pakistan Army Chief and ex-president General (retired) Pervez Musharraf has been given the death penalty in a treason case by a special court in Pakistan.

This is the first time in the history of Pakistan that a former army chief has been handed the death sentence. The special court order is subject to appeal.

A three-member bench of the special court, headed by Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth, on Tuesday handed former military ruler Pervez Musharraf the death sentence.

Musharraf has been living in Dubai and London since 2016 after he was allowed to travel on medical grounds. He never went back despite court orders and was also earlier put on the list of most wanted people.

Musharraf was booked in the treason case in December 2013 for imposing a state of emergency on November 03, 2007 suspending the constitution of Pakistan. He was indicted on March 31, 2014, and the prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year. However, due to litigation at appellate forums, the trial of the former military dictator lingered on and he left Pakistan in March 2016.

Although the special court — comprising Justice Seth, Justice Nazar Akbar of the Sindh High Court (SHC) and Justice Shahid Karim of the LHC — had announced that it would deliver its verdict in the case today, the government’s prosecutor, Advocate Ali Zia Bajwa, said that they had submitted three petitions today.

One of the petitions asks that the court make three individuals — former prime minister Shaukat Aziz, former Supreme Court chief justice Abdul Hameed Dogar and former law minister Zahid Hamid — suspects in the case. The prosecutor said that according to a 2014 petition, Shaukat Aziz had told Musharraf to impose emergency.

What is the treason case

Musharraf has been on trial for subverting the Constitution by promulgating state of emergency in the country on November 3, 2007.  According to Article 6 of the 1973 Constitution, any person who abrogates or subverts or suspends or holds in abeyance, or attempts or conspires to abrogate or subvert or suspend or hold in abeyance, the Constitution by use of force or show of force or by any other unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason.

And a person found guilty of high treason as defined in Article 6 of the Constitution, shall be punishable with death or imprisonment for life.

Background

The verdict announced by the special court today was the one it had reserved on November 19. The special court at that time had said it would announce the verdict on Nov 28 on the basis of available record. However, days before the final verdict was to be announced, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government sought deferment of the announcement of the verdict and in a fresh petition, requested the Islamabad High Court that “the special court be restrained from passing final judgement in the trial”.

On November 27, the IHC stopped the special court from issuing its verdict reserved in the case on November 19. Additionally, they directed the government to notify a prosecution team by December 5.

On December 5, the new prosecution team for the government appeared before the special court after which the special court adjourned proceedings till December 17, adding that it would hear arguments and announce the verdict on the same day. The special court was reformed six times during the course of the case.

What next

The former army chief General Musharraf is currently living in Dubai. His team can appeal the verdict in the Supreme Court. If the top court upholds the special court's verdict, the president possesses the constitutional authority under Article 45 to pardon a death row defendant

Musharraf's counsel Advocate Raza Bashir said he had submitted a request to record his client's statement via Section 342 of the CrPC, adding that his client should be given the right to a fair trial. "Musharraf should get a right to defend," said Bashir. Musharraf's counsel said his client's health was not well enough for him to appear before the court.

Why Musharraf is hospitalized frequently

Former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf is suffering from amyloidosis, a rare disease caused by a build-up of an abnormal protein called amyloid in organs and tissues throughout the body. Musharraf showed symptoms of the disease in October 2018.

The treatment of amyloidosis is not possible in Pakistan and that is why he is staying in Dubai. Amyloidosis is a serious health problem that can lead to life-threatening organ failure.

Amyloidosis can affect different organs in different people, and there are different types of amyloid. Amyloidosis frequently affects the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system and digestive tract.

Video: 'I am being victimised as I have not been heard,' says former Pakistan army chief General Musharraf

Former military dictator of Pakistan was hospitalised in Dubai earlier this month

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Published:  December 17, 2019 13:06 Last updated:  December 17, 2019 18:25Ashfaq Ahmed, Associate Editor - Online

  

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Former Pakistan President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf undergoes treatment at a hospital in Dubai.Image Credit: Social media

ALSO IN THIS PACKAGE

• Former Pakistan Army Chief General Pervez Musharraf given death sentence in high treason case

Dubai: Former Pakistan army chief and ex-president General (retired) Pervez Musharraf, who was given the death penalty by a special court on Tuesday, said that he was being victimised.

A close aide of Musharraf told Gulf News that the former Pakistani leader was given the sentence without being heard by the court.

Musharraf said that all the cases against him should be dropped as he was being victimised. “I have not been heard and I’m being victimised”, said Musharraf.

“As far as this [treason] case is concerned, this is absolutely baseless,” said a visibly ailing Musharraf in a video message.

“I have served my country for 10 years. I have fought for my country. This [treason] is the case in which I have not been heard and I have been victimised,” he said.

Military slams ruling

Pakistan's military siftly slammed the special court's ruling, saying in a statement that the armed forces were in "pain and anguish" over the decision.

Statement on decision by Special court about General Pervez Musharraf, Retired. pic.twitter.com/C9UAMT1E4W

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 17, 2019

"An ex-Army Chief, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee and President of Pakistan, who has served the country for over 40 years, fought wars for the defense of the country can surely never be a traitor," the military said in a statement, adding the legal process "seems to have been ignored".

In Dubai hospital

Musharraf was last rushed to a hospital in Dubai on December 2 following deterioration of his health. He was moved to his house in Downtown Dubai a few days ago, and is currently under the care of full time medical staff at his home as well.

A senior leader of Musharraf’s political party — All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), told Gulf News that Musharraf would issue a detailed statement after consultation with his lawyers.

Musharraf, 78, is suffering from amyloidosis, a rare disease caused by a build-up of an abnormal protein called amyloid in organs and tissues throughout the body. The treatment of amyloidosis is not possible in Pakistan and that is why he is staying in Dubai and is unable to attend the court hearing, added his party leader.

APML to challenge the verdict

In a statement to Gulf News, Mehrene Malik Adam, secretary general of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) said that the party has decided to file an appeal against the judgement.

"We are consulting our legal team and shall announce our future course of action," she said.

"We are appalled at todays’ verdict by the special court against the former president of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf, which was announced without hearing him. Despite a repeated request by the former president not to announce the decision in his absence and to give him the right to defend himself before the special court. We think this is an unconstitutional trial, pursued in the most unconstitutional way, without hearing his lawyer and giving them a chance to defend him," she added.

Mehrene said that immediate comments from General Musharraf was not possible as she claimed he was in the hospital.

"This is to remind that during his stay in Pakistan, as a law-abiding citizen, the former president did appear before all the courts to face the charges against him. Though, we firmly believe that all the cases created against the former president have mala fide, and he is being made subject to political victimization.

"We would like to remind that this case was formed on flimsy grounds, where aiders and abettors were excluded from the case and its hearing and the former president was singled out in the high treason case, though the decision was taken after consultation with the cabinet members, Chief Ministers, Governors and Corps Commanders.

"We show our reservations and concern against the one-sided decision by the special court, especially when the former president is under treatment and fighting against the deadly disease."

SEE https://plawiuk.blogspot.com/search?q=musharraf+

Pakistan divided on legacy of military ruler Musharraf


Sun, 5 February 2023 

SHOWING OFF HIS MANICURE

Pervez Musharraf was a polarising figure in Pakistani politics, returning the country to a period of economic stability while accused of rampant abuses and weakening democracy.

The nation's most recent military leader governed for nearly a decade after seizing power in a bloodless coup in 1999.

His rule was marred by repeated allegations of abuses, including ruthlessly rounding up his opponents as well as being accused of involvement in former prime minister Benazir Bhutto's assassination.


The effects of his decision to back the United States in its invasion of Afghanistan -- albeit in the face of threats of bombing and in return for a massive aid injection -- continue to reverberate.

"Musharraf boosted education standards and infrastructure in Pakistan. He brought development to the country," 24-year-old student Mohammad Waqas told AFP in Islamabad.

"But on the other hand, the country suffered losses in the face of terrorism. Entering America's war weakened our own country."

Pakistan is currently undergoing yet another economic crisis, and widespread political uncertainty ahead of elections due later this year.

In the face of the turmoil, some remember Musharraf with a certain fondness.

"He was a good ruler. There has not been a leader like him before and there will never be one like him again," said 70-year-old Islamabad shopkeeper Muhammad Khan.

Veteran Pakistani politician and Musharraf ally Parvez Elahi told AFP: "He was a ruler with a lot of depth, who loved hard work and he would appreciate new initiatives".

In 2006 -- at the height of their alliance -- US President George W. Bush called Musharraf "a strong, forceful leader [who] has become a target of those who can't stand the thought of moderation prevailing".

- Suspending the constitution -

His moves to overthrow an elected government and to suspend the constitution for long periods, however, also frame his legacy.

"His one act, which will be remembered throughout history, was he violated the constitution," retired civil servant Naeem Ul Haq Satti told AFP.

"The most important thing a country has is its constitution," the 69-year-old added.

As he faced growing pressure for democratic elections, Musharraf's oppression of critics worsened.

He suspended the constitution for a second time in 2007, rounded up thousands of opponents and sacked the chief justice, leading to widespread protests.

"General Musharraf was one of the military dictators who misruled the country by... bringing in a group of sycophants," businessman Abdul Basit told AFP in the Balochistan provincial capital of Quetta.

Under Musharraf, Pakistan stepped up its war against ethnic Baloch separatists, with a military operation killing key separatist leader Akbar Bugti in 2006, an assassination that further fanned the flames of that movement.

"People do give credit to General Musharraf for developing the country but on the other hand, like his predecessors, he played havoc," said Basit.

Musharraf resigned in 2008 and faced years of legal wrangling, finally being found guilty in absentia and sentenced to death for treason. That ruling was later nullified.

The former ruler ended his days in Dubai, having failed to launch a political comeback and finding himself, and his All Pakistan Muslim League party, sidelined from political relevance.

LA REVUE GAUCHE - Left Comment: Search results for Musharraf 

Winning Friends

This is not way to win friends.....Quit crying, Musharraf tells Canada

"We have suffered 500 casualties," he said. "Canadians may have suffered four or five." Musharraf said any nation, such as Canada, that enters a war-torn area must be prepared to suffer casualties or get out of the operation. "You suffer two dead and you cry and shout all around the place that there are coffins," he said. "Well, we have had 500 coffins."Musharraf defends war effort, downplays Canadian losses

Yeah he can't quite get the number of Canadian dead right, first he says two then four....but that can't compare to his 500...that is after all only 100 per year....now that's worth crying about....obviously most of those died probably from accidents, and friendly fire if stats work out....

Graham condemns Musharraf's comments Well somebody had better because there was nary a peep out of the PM's office or the New Conservative Government....does that mean they agree with tough guy dictator Musharraf?

Nor is this fueding with Karzai....Canada's new friend.....

He also rejected speculation that the Taliban leader Mulla Omar was hiding in the Baluchistan regional capital of Quetta in western Pakistan and called it a ridiculous statement.He said Taliban were not operating from Pakistan, they are operating from inside Afghanistan.

What Musharraf is lying about is the relationship his government and army has in supporting the Taliban and Pashtun rebels in Baluchistan where he conviniantly assissinated their mutual enemy and greatest threat... the leader of the autonomous movement of Baluchistan.

"None of this is true and Karzai knows it," he said. "He is not oblivious to what is going on in Afghanistan. He knows that the drug trade is financing the Taliban. He knows that this is not a problem created by Pakistan. But he is turning a blind eye. He is like an ostrich with his head buried in the sand."

Blind eye? Ostrich? I think he meant bat. Oh yeah he was on John Stewarts Comedy News Show...wait he said this on CNN....guess its all reality TV to him as he does the book tour with his new biography which has been taken off the shelves for its lies. This guy just can't help lying...its cause he is a dictator you can dress him up in a business suit but he is still not a democrat.

"What President Karzai is very cleverly hiding is the fact that all this is happening in Afghanistan, in the southern provinces of Afghanistan," Musharraf said.

Musharraf is right about one thing that this is a general Pashtun uprising. And Karzai knows it and that is why he is less emphatic about the Taliban and generalizes about terrorism. When in fact this is a general revolt against his government.

"He doesn't want to tell the world what is the facts for his own personal reasons. In the governance of Afghanistan is there a certain community which is feeling alienated and this country has 50 to 60 per cent representation of Afghanistan and that is his problem. He has to balance out and he is not being able to do that and, therefore, he is trying to hide that everything is happening in Pakistan. If you keep going wrong, I have been telling the world for three months, "we are delaying we are getting late" all of this that I've read is what is happening in Afghanistan, in all the provinces. This is a movement going on. This is a Pashtun uprising," said the General. Motormouth Mush calls Karzai ostrich

But despite that fact Musharraf regime is the one that nurtured the seperpent at its breast and still does. Karzai said: “On the remarks of my brother, President Musharraf, Afghanistan is a country that is emerging out of so many years of war and destruction and occupation by terrorism and misery that they brought to us.


Also See:

Afghanistan

War






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Pakistans Reichstag Fire

Like that other fascist regime which used an ultra left communist as their scapegoat for the Reichstag Fire, Pakistans Friendly Fascist President/Generalismo Musharraf used the Red Mosque for the same purpose this week. To distract from the fact that Pakistans Intelligence Service is behind the Taliban, and other Islamist fascist movements including the Red Mosque.

It is Pakistan that is the terror state with nuclear weapons, not Iran, that is the greatest threat to the region.

Leading up to the crisis of the Red Mosque of Islamabad, General Musharraf was facing an unprecedented uprising by the ordinary citizenry, led by the popular and recently dismissed chief justice of Pakistan. As the sweltering summer of discontent spread across the country, tens of thousands of lawyers poured onto the streets in what is known as the "black coat" protests. Finding no room to manoeuvre, Gen. Musharraf emulated Ayub Khan, and manufactured a crisis. Then, like a knight in shining armour, he stepped in to put down the rebellion by Islamists holed up inside the Red Mosque.

It's important to know that the Red Mosque was a creation of Pakistan's intelligence services, which used it for decades to recruit armed jihadis. It was another U.S.-backed Islamist dictator, General Mohammed Zia ul-Haq, who had allowed the Red Mosque jihadis a free hand in spreading their hateful doctrine of extremism under the name of Islam. The Americans simply went along.

The brothers who led the Red Mosque rebellion - the one who was arrested trying to escape in a burka, as well as the mullah who died in the fighting - worked for Pakistan's intelligence agencies. Their father, too, was an employee of the government and ran the fiefdom in the heart of Islamabad until he was assassinated.

The mullahs and radical jihadis in the Red Mosque were all actors in the game of Pakistani roulette. As long as the mosque remained a visible hotbed of Islamist activity, Gen. Musharraf could show the West that it needed him to fight terrorism. Just as Ayub Khan was able to convince successive U.S. administrations that, without him, Pakistan would slide into communism, Gen. Musharraf has convinced George Bush that, without him, Pakistan would become one large Red Mosque teeming with jihadis trying to whip the nation into an Islamist nuclear power.

What he fails to disclose, of course, is that the arming of the Red Mosque could not have happened without his government's full knowledge. There's no way that machine guns, rocket launchers and ammunition could be brought into the heart of Islamabad, next door to government ministries, without arousing the suspicion of the country's omnipresent security agencies.

Today, the Pakistani army will claim to have stamped out a hotbed of Islamic terrorism. Tomorrow will be another story. Abdul Rashid Ghazi will emerge as the martyr of the Islamist movement in Pakistan, and his death will become the rallying cry for the Islamofascists, not its end.

In the end, Gen. Musharraf was caught in his own trap. He could not put the jihadi genie back into the bottle, so he had to kill it. He may come out as a hero to the White House and to Pakistan's ruling upper-class elites, but history dictates that this will be a short-lived romance.

SEE:

I Was An IslamoFascist For MI6

Harpers Silence Over Musharraf

Winning Friends

How To Create Terrorists

Say It Ain't So

Brief Cases vs Batons

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Musharraf's Coup

Against himself.

Which Musharraf is in charge in Pakistan?

Why the one who opposes liberal democracy while cuddling up to Islamic fundamentalist parties and the Taliban.

He won't take off the uniform and he won't run in elections without it. And even if he does take off the uniform you can't take the uniform out of the man. Or the dictator out of office even if he is elected.

And I am not sure why everyone is surprised at his actions since he telegraphed them in his musings last summer.

Since imposing emergency rule, the targets of President Pervez Musharraf's crackdown have not been the Islamic militants who took over a northwestern town Tuesday but thousands of lawyers and liberal activists from the secular mainstream that Musharraf has said he wants to rally against extremists.With the constitution suspended, authorities have assumed sweeping powers to detain without charge. In all, opposition groups have reported at least 3,500 arrests in the past three days, many of them lawyers.

On Saturday night, when Musharraf declared the emergency, Pakistan's top human rights defender was watching him explain on TV why such an authoritarian step was needed to combat terrorism when police knocked at her door to tell her she had been placed under house arrest.

The next morning — just hours after she and many judges, lawyers and activists were detained — Asma Jehangir laughed bitterly as she read newspaper headlines: The government had granted amnesty to dozens of pro-Taliban militants in the violence-plagued northwest.

Ali Dayan Hasan, South Asia researcher for Human Rights Watch, said the crackdown, that has also seen independent television news networks blacked out, was a targeted assault on liberal and secular elements of society pushing for the accountability of Pakistan's rulers.

"This is not a free for all. It has been very systematic and brutal and has targeted specific groups of people," he said Ali Dayan Hasan. "It is a coup against civil society."

SEE:

The Economist Agrees With Me

Afghanistan A Failed State

Pakistan Speaks For the Taliban

I Was An IslamoFascist For MI6

Harpers Silence Over Musharraf

Winning Friends

How To Create Terrorists

Say It Ain't So

Brief Cases vs Batons

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