Interpol excuses from bringing Musharraf back to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The interior secretary told a special court on Wednesday that Interpol has excused from the task of bringing back former president Pervez Musharraf to Pakistan.

The interior secretary appeared before a two-judge bench headed by Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Mr. Justice Yawar Ali also comprising Sindh High Court’s (SHC) Justice Nazar Akbar which heard the high treason case against Musharraf.

The special court in Islamabad was informed by the interior secretary that the government wrote a letter to Interpol requesting to bring back former military ruler to Pakistan.

“However, Interpol refused citing the reason that cases of political nature are out of their jurisdiction,” the official said.

The court has directed the secretary to submit the response of Interpol.

During the hearing, the resignation of Akram Sheikh, the government prosecutor for the Musharraf treason case, was also approved by the bench.

In his resignation, Akram Sheikh stated, “The newly-elected government may choose to continue with the prosecution of the case and appoint a counsel of its own liking.”

Justice Yawar remarked that during the next hearing, the bench will deliberate to push the case into its concluding phase.

The secretary of interior also apprised the bench that law minister and attorney general will be consulted for the appointment of a new prosecutor in the case.

The case was later adjourned till September 10.

On August 20, the special court released non-bailable arrest warrants for former president, but owing to the absence of the accused, the court summoned secretary of interior on the next hearing.

In March 2014, the special court indicted Gen Musharraf for high treason while the prosecution presented its evidence the same year.  However, thereafter, the special court could not proceed with the case as the IHC issued a stay order and the former military ruler left the country.

Subsequently, he was declared a proclaimed offender by the court, which also ordered confiscation of his properties.