Court forms judicial commission to record Musharraf's statement

ISLAMABAD: A special court on Monday ordered formation of a judicial commission after former president Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf declined to record his statement via video link in high treason case.

The commission will go abroad to record Musharraf’s statement in accordance with Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Former president has been out of the country since March 2016.

The lawyer informed a special bench comprising Justice Yawar Ali, Justice Tahira Safdar and Justice Nazar Akbar seized with a high treason case,that his client is indisposed.

The case was initiated against former military strongman for suspending the Constitution on Nov 3, 2007 by proclamation of emergency, an offence for which charges framed against him on March 31, 2014.

Justice Yawar Ali said that Pervez Musharraf is out of the country and according to his counsel he is ill. His statement should be recorded under article 342.

Prosecution counsel said that he was given opportunity to record his statement but the accused didn’t avail it.

Justice Yawar Ali said that the medical certificate of the American Hospital of Dubai was issued on August 14 and it is outdated.

Musharraf’s counsel said that his client suffering from serious heart ailment. His next medical examination will be conducted in October. The counsel sought more time from the bench if it want a fresh medical certificate of his client.

He wishes to appear before the court himself and present the evidence in his defence, Musharraf’s counsel further said.