Musharraf takes a U-turn, says won’t return

After announcing his conditional return in return for a presidential-level security, former president General (r) Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday backtracked from his statement, saying he won’t return to Pakistan due to “poor health and security concerns” a day ahead of the hearing of his case in a special court.

According to the counsel of the former president, the former military strongman is not medically cleared by the doctors in Dubai to travel; however, he might appear before the court if president level security is provided to him.

Musharraf, who is on the run after a treason case was registered against him, has time and again refused to return to the country to face cases pending against him in various courts. Similarly, a three-member bench of the special court headed by Justice Yawar Ali will hear the high treason case today. After repeated absences of the former dictator, the court has summoned the interior secretary to seek an explanation.

On August 20,  Musharraf informed a special court via his legal counsel that he will appear for the treason trial if presidential-level security is provided as the court summoned the interior secretary on August 27.

Presided over by Justice Yawar Ali, the court will also consider whether the trial can continue without recording Musharraf’s statement

Musharraf’s legal counsel Akhtar Shah informed the bench that his client is willing to come to Pakistan if presidential level security is provided by the defence ministry. “Musharraf’s life is in danger,” he said. It may be noted that the ministry of interior had agreed to provide security to the retired general upon his request.