–Interior secretary tells special court Interpol has refused to issue red warrant in political case, judges demand submission of Interpol letter

–Court asks whether Musharraf’s statement can be recorded via Skype or proceedings will proceed without it

LAHORE: The interior secretary informed a special court on Wednesday that Interpol had rejected the application seeking the issuance of red warrant against former military dictator Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf.

The special court on Wednesday resumed hearing of the high treason case against the former president.

A two-member bench of the special court comprising Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Justice Yawar Ali and Justice Mazhar Akbar of the Sindh High Court (SHC) heard the case over the imposition of emergency rule by Musharraf in 2007.

“Interpol says that such warrants are not issued in political cases,” the interior secretary informed the court.

“Submit the copy of the letter in court as we want to maintain transparency in the case. The court wants to finalise the matter,” remarked Justice Yawar in response.

The interior secretary responded that he will do so.

“The lawyers of Musharraf in the case are now in government. The Interior Ministry can decide better,” said prosecution head Akram Sheikh while submitting a request to separate from the trial.

“The court is not a part of prosecution and will not side by any party during the trial,” observed Justice Yawar.

Sheikh had been part of the trial for the past five years and had consistently urged the special court to wrap up the case. “It would be tantamount to aiding and abetting an accused person,” he had previously said in reference to the federal government withdrawing the case.

“The prime minister has the hold of Interior Ministry. No talks have yet been held over withdrawing the case. The new prosecutor will be appointed after consultation with law minister and attorney general,” said the interior secretary in response to judge’s inquiry if the federal government wanted to withdraw the case.

“Can the statement of Musharraf be recorded on Skype or should the case be proceeded without it. The court should be assisted on the matter at the next hearing,” remarked Yawar.

The case has been adjourned till September 10.

The treason case was filed against Musharraf by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

The special court had earlier directer the federal government to block Musharraf’s Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) and passport after the resumption of the treason case earlier this year. The PML-N led government promptly followed the court’s directives. Musharraf left Pakistan in 2016 for medical treatment in Dubai after his named was revoked from the Exit Control List (ECL).

He has been residing in Dubai since.