Pakistan SC Upholds Late Military Ruler Pervez Musharraf's Death Sentence In Treason Case

The Supreme Court invalidated the Lahore High Court's decision, which had suspended the earlier death sentence, asserting that such a judgment contradicted legal principles.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday (January 10) upheld the death sentence previously imposed on the late former military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf. This ruling stems from a high treason case initiated against Musharraf during his tenure, news agency PTI reported. 

Musharraf, known for his role in the 1999 Kargil War and serving as Pakistan's final military ruler, passed away on February 5 in Dubai after grappling with an extended illness. The 79-year-old had been receiving treatment for amyloidosis in the UAE since 2016, choosing self-exile to evade legal repercussions in his home country.

According to the report, the Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa led the four-member bench overseeing the proceedings, which also included Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Aminuddin Khan, and Justice Athar Minallah. In 2019, a special court sentenced Musharraf to death for imposing a state of emergency in November 2007, a move deemed "unconstitutional".

Addressing the appeal filed by Musharraf against the previous sentence, the Supreme Court remarked that the late leader's heirs had not engaged with the case despite multiple notifications, leading to the dismissal of his appeal, the PTI report said. 

Salman Safdar, representing Musharraf, conveyed his unsuccessful attempts to reach the family post the appeal's hearing, highlighting the lack of response from them, according to the report. The Supreme Court further invalidated the Lahore High Court's decision, which had suspended the earlier death sentence, asserting that such a judgment contradicted legal principles.

Taufeeq Asif, lodging a petition against the Lahore High Court's verdict, brought attention to the nature of the appeal. Meanwhile, during the hearings, Additional Attorney General Aamir Rehman voiced his opposition to Musharraf's appeal, the report said. 

A prior court session on November 29, 2023, witnessed the Supreme Court's reflection on the implications of the martial law imposed by Musharraf in 1999. Justice Athar Minallah notably indicated that those endorsing martial law should face judicial scrutiny. Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of acknowledging historical misdeeds, stating that while certain acts may have escaped punitive measures, recognition of past wrongs remains essential.