The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Wednesday sought replies from the federal government and other authorities concerned on May 7, regarding an application filed by counsel of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf to exclude his client’s name from the Exit Control List (ECL).
Lawyer for indicted ex-president Pervez Musharraf, Barrister Farogh Naseem presented his arguments before the two-member bench comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Shahnawaz Tariq, in which he argued that the matter was sensitive, therefore the decision should be pronounced in one or two proceedings. He also opposed granting period of 15 days to the government, terming it “too long” a period given the sensitivity of the case.
Attorney General of Pakistan Salman Aslam Butt appeared before the court on the government’s behalf and said that as the court notice was received on Tuesday (April 23), hence at least 15 days should be given to the government file a reply. Farogh Nasim opposed the request, saying that no extra time should be given to the government since Musharraf’s mother was in a critical condition, and that his client wanted to visit his mother as soon possible.
The court, seeking answers from relevant authorities by May 7, adjourned the hearing till the same date.
Talking to reporters after the hearing of Musharraf’s plea, the barrister said that Musharraf needed to undergo medical treatment for his heart disease also, so time is of the essence.
The former military ruler is nowadays in Karachi. He arrived in the city from Islamabad on Saturday evening where he is getting medical treatment from a Pakistan Navy hospital.
The 70-year-old Musharraf, who is standing trial on treason charges, will stay in the metropolis for a week at his daughter’s residence. It is his first visit to Karachi ever since he returned to Pakistan after ending his self-imposed exile in March last year to take part in the parliamentary elections held in May. He was disqualified and barred to run for the elections.
Musharraf, 70, was indicted this month on charges relating to his imposition of emergency rule in late 2007.
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