Pak SC rejects Musharraf trial petition

Lahore, Apr.7 (ANI): The Pakistan Supreme Court has returned the trial petition moved against former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf with several objections.

Supreme Court Registrar Dr Faqir Hussain returned the petition with four major objections.

Dr. Hussain stated that the petitioner Zahid Malik has no locus standi to move the petition, the advocate-on-record did not specify whether the petition was the first of its kind, the petitioner did not avail a lower court first and that the petitioner has sought more than one relief in a single petition, The Daily Times reported.

Malik's counsel, Dr Farooq Hassan argued that Musharraf had admitted to taking unconstitutional steps by removing Supreme Court Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry in November 2007.

The petition filed by Malik accused General Musharraf of disseminating subversion of the Constitution by appointing the PCO's after dismissing superior judges including the Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.

The petition also asked for trial of the former President through Courts Martial under Pakistan Army Act for savagely violating the provisions relating to officers of the Army.

It also states that all the persons who assisted General Musharraf to carry out his illegal activities should also be punished according to the law of the country.

The apex court has been requested to bar General Musharraf from moving out of Pakistan.

Malik, in his petition had also tabled the order passed by a seven-member bench of the Supreme Court to suspend operation of the PCO on November 3, 2007, stating that those who acted against this order were liable for the contempt of the court.

The petition further stated that the matter is of high public importance as it involves violation of fundamental rights with respect to access to freedom and independent judiciary enshrined under Articles 9,10, 14, and 26. (ANI)