On its last day, PML-N govt moves to embargo Musharraf

–Action will restrict former dictator from travelling, conducting banking and other financial transactions

ISLAMABAD: The outgoing Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, on the last day of its five-year tenure, reportedly ordered the Ministry of Interior to block the National Identity Card (NIC) and passport of former military dictator Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf.

According to reports, the National Data Base and Registration Authority (NADRA) and Immigration and Passport Directorate have been ordered to do the needful per the order of the special court hearing the high treason case against the former army chief. The action was taken to restrict the former president’s travel and certain facilities available to him as he failed to appear before the court despite repeated summons.

A four-page order of the special court released earlier stated, “In case the accused fails to submit his written request as mentioned hereinabove the ministry of interior and all other departments, divisions and agencies of the government of Pakistan are to take positive steps in ensuring the arrest of the accused and attachment of his properties abroad, including suspension of the CNIC and passport of the accused.”

Moreover, the court had earlier directed the MOI to approach Interpol for the arrest of the former president.

Musharraf would not be able to travel abroad and would also be unable to conduct banking transactions if his CNIC and passport are blocked. The former president will also be barred from selling and buying property in Pakistan and abroad, the report stated.

The treason case was instituted on the charges of subverting the constitution by imposing ‘emergency rule’ on November 3, 2007.

On April 7, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar proposed fresh composition of the special bench, led by Lahore High Court Chief Justice Yawar Ali, but the federal government is yet to issue a formal notification.