Petition seeking trial of Musharraf for treason filed in SC

ISLAMABAD: A petition seeking the trial of former President Pervez Musharraf on charges of treason for imposing emergency and abrogating the constitution was filed in Pakistan's Supreme Court on Saturday.

Zafar Ali Shah, a parliamentarian belonging to the opposition PML-N, filed the petition that asked the apex court to issue an order to the government to initiate Musharraf's trial for treason, an offence that can be punished with the death penalty.

Citing the apex court's recent verdict that declared the 2007 emergency imposed by Musharraf as illegal and unconstitutional, Shah asked the court to order the government to register a case against the former army chief.

Shah alleged Musharraf had committed treason by declaring emergency and dismissing over 60 judges who did not endorse the measure.

Article 6 of Pakistan's constitution, which covers treason, states: "Any person who abrogates or attempts or conspires to abrogate, subverts or attempts or conspires to subvert the constitution by use of force or show of force or by any other unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason."

The apex court's verdict has raised the possibility of Musharraf being tried though, under Pakistani laws, only the government can initiate the proceedings.