The Supreme Court of Pakistan affirmed the death penalty for former President General (Retired) Pervez Musharraf in the treason case on Wednesday.
Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa led the four-member bench, which included Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, and Justice Atir Mahmood.
The counsel for the petitioner, Hameed Khan, argued that Musharraf’s criminal appeal against the death penalty is a constitutional matter, emphasizing that the petition challenges the Lahore High Court’s decision declaring the death penalty null and void.
The Chief Justice clarified that the jurisdiction and appeal of the Lahore High Court are distinct matters in this case.
The court initiated the hearing by listening to Salman Safdar, Pervez Musharraf’s counsel, who presented arguments against the special court’s sentence.
The federal government opposed the appeal, and the Chief Justice questioned the government’s position. During the proceedings, the absence of Musharraf’s heirs was noted, raising concerns about their ability to participate in the hearing.
The Chief Justice stressed the importance of considering the rights of heirs and questioned the invocation of Article 561.
Salman Safdar raised concerns about the trial judge from the Lahore High Court and offered to submit reports in the Chief Justice’s chamber.
However, the Chief Justice clarified that individuals are not summoned to their chamber. Justice Athar Minallah highlighted that all parties involved have open doors for legal proceedings under Article 12.
Despite Musharraf’s heirs not residing in Pakistan, the court expressed readiness to hear arguments related to the criminal appeal.
After considering all arguments, the Supreme Court upheld the death penalty for Pervez Musharraf, declaring the Lahore High Court’s decision to suspend the sentence null and void.
