Pervez Musharraf to return to Pakistan, face trial: APML

ISLAMABAD: Former military ruler and APML chairman General (retd) Pervez Musharraf has decided to return to Pakistan and face cases against him in courts, ARY News reported on Friday.

All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) secretary general Muhammad Amjad told media today Pervez Musharraf will return to country in April and will face all the cases against him including a treason case being heard by a special court.

Amjad added that Musharraf has summoned a high-level party meeting in Dubai on March 21 to discuss his return to country with party leaders.

The announcement came minutes after a special court hearing the treason case against Musharraf on Friday ordered the interior ministry to suspend the former president’s identity card and passport, and also arrange for his arrest with the help of Interpol.

“In case the accused fails to submit his written request as mentioned here in above the ministry of interior and all other departments, divisions and agencies of the government of Pakistan are to take positive steps in ensuring the arrest of the accused and attachment of his properties abroad, including suspension of the CNIC and passport of the accused,” reads the order of the special court.

Musharraf’s lawyer Akhtar Shah, however, told the court that he had requested the Interior Ministry for the provision of “foolproof security” on Musharraf’s return for he faces serious security threats.

The former dictator is currently in United Arab Emirates and suspension of passport may render him unable to move to any country.

Since 2013, the special court is hearing the treason case against Musharraf for subverting the constitution and declaring emergency on November 3, 2007.

The next hearing of the case has been fixed for March 21.