While granting exemption from Friday’s hearing, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad has summoned former president General (r) Pervez Musharraf on June 13 in the judges’ detention case.
Judge Atiqur Rehman had summoned Musharraf in Friday’s hearing but the former general’s lawyer furnished an application with the judge, seeking an exemption for his client from court appearance, which was accepted by the judge.
The ATC expressed resentment over Musharraf’s absence and ordered him to appear on June 13.
During the case proceedings, Judge Atiqur Rehman asked why Musharraf did not appear before the court despite court orders.
Musharraf’s lawyer Safdar Javed told the court that his client was not feeling well and he also had some security concerns, to which the court replied that the police have assured full security to Musharraf.
Musharraf’s counsel told the court that according to Balochistan High Court’s decision, the accused can be exempted from appearance once he/she is indicted.
Meanwhile, the court barred journalists’ entry in the courtroom and directed security officials not to let any journalist in during the hearing.
According to reports, Secretariat Police Station refused to provide security to prosecutor Amir Nadeem Tabish, claiming that they did not have fuel for vehicles.