SC accepts petition, sets hearing for Musharraf’s appeal

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) has accepted a petition to initiate an appeal against the sentence handed down to former President Pervez Musharraf. The appeal was filed by the late dictator Musharraf in his absence, according to his legal representative.

Under legal provisions, a direct appeal can be made to the Supreme Court against decisions of the Special Court.

During the proceedings Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa questioned the petition not numbered being numbered at the SC.

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The Registrar’s office objected to the appeal, citing the absence of the convict’s surrender. The Chief Justice emphasised the importance of accountability, stating, “If we do not hold ourselves accountable, how will we hold others accountable.”

Chief Justice Isa raised concerns about the appeal not being scheduled in open court, prompting inquiries from Musharraf’s lawyer, Salman Safdar.

The lawyer indicated a lack of communication with Musharraf, leading to the Chief Justice’s directive for fresh instructions from Musharraf’s family on pursuing the appeal.

The court emphasised the fundamental right of every citizen to a transparent trial, and the matter of Musharraf’s appeal will be revisited in light of his potential demise while the appeal is pending.

CJ Isa also ordered Musharraf’s lawyer to come to Islamabad for the next hearing, scheduled for next Friday.

The court also accepted appeals against the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) decision, directing the Registrar’s Office to appoint hearings for these appeals.

In response to Musharraf’s lawyer seeking a four-week respite, the chief justice asserted, “You have to take only one direction whether to appeal or not”. He also commended the quality of the appeal document, expressing appreciation for its content.