The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) while hearing Benazir Bhutto murder case,
has directed Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to submit the record of
Anti Terrorist Court (ATC) in which former president Parvez Musharraf
has been declared as absconder.
Three-member bench of apex court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar
Muhammad Chaudhry and comprising Justice Khilji Arif Hussain and Justice
Tariq Parvez heard the writ petition filed by former protocol officer
of Banazir Bhutto (BB) Chaudhry Muhammad Aslam, seeking directions
regarding registration of second FIR into BB murder case on Thursday.
As the court resumed the hearing Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad
Chaudhry said that former president Gen (retd) Parvez Musharraf has
sought an adjournment of one month through an application filed by his
counsel Shehar Yar advocate, stating that he has not received any copy
of the case so court may give him more time to file reply.
Chief Justice said Parvez Musharraf has contended in application that
all allegations against him are baseless and he has rejected the
allegation, however Musharraf has stated that he is the citizen of
Pakistan and has constitutional right to defend himself so court may
adjourn the hearing for four weeks.
Meanwhile, the counsel for FIA Chaudhry Muhammad Azhar opposing the
adjournment sought by Musharraf stated that the ATC Rawalpindi has
declared Musharraf as absconder in BB murder case and he would never
appear before the court. Concession of adjournment should not be given
to him, FIA counsel stated.
On which the court directed the FIA to submit the record in which ATC has declared Musharraf as absconder.
Meanwhile, the member of the bench Justice Khilji Arif Hussain
addressing to the FIA counsel said include on thing more in your
statement that a dictator who violated the constitution is seeking
remedy under the constitution. “ People have made it a joke” Khilji
added.
The Chief Justice Chaudhry remarked that I think it is for the first
time that Musharraf has filed an application in the court, however his
counsel is not present in the court.
Court several times called for the counsel of Musharraf but he was not present in the court room.
Later the court directed concerned authorities that the court order
should be conveyed to the Parvez Musharraf and the counsel of Musharraf
should remain present in the court on next date of hearing.
Nobody appeared before the court on behalf of Interior Minister
Rehman Malik and former law minister Babar Awan. The court was informed
that Anwar Mansoo counsel for Rehman Malik is not present in the court.
The counsel of former DCO Rawalpindi was present in the court.
Court directed to mark Baba Awan and Rehman Malik as absent;
meanwhile the petitioner Aslam Chaudhry informed the court that his
counsel is also not present in the court because of illness so case may
be adjourned for appropriate time. Later the apex Court adjourned
hearing of case to April 9. SANA
