ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – In a recent development, the Supreme Court of Pakistan overturned the Lahore High Court’s decision regarding the sentencing of former military dictator Pervez Musharraf for high treason. Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa announced the decision, stating that the previous judgement by the LHC was not sustainable. This marks the first time a former military dictator in Pakistan has been punished for subverting the constitution.
The charges against Musharraf stemmed from his imposition of a state of emergency in 2007 and subsequently for being guilty of high treason for abrogating the Constitution. This decision has caused controversy, especially within the country’s powerful army, which has ruled over Pakistan for most of its existence.
Musharraf, who passed away in 2023 in Dubai after a prolonged illness, had been residing in the UAE since 2016 to avoid criminal charges back home. The issue of his sentencing and the LHC judgement has been a matter of contention, with his legal heirs failing to follow the case even after multiple notices.
The Supreme Court’s overturning of the LHC decision comes after a series of legal battles and appeals from Musharraf’s counsel. The former president had been given the death penalty in absentia due to his illness and being out of the country.
The Chief Justice also emphasized the need to learn from history, stating that even those who validated the martial law imposed by Musharraf in 1999 should be held accountable. This decision sets a significant precedent for Pakistan and its judiciary, signaling a shift in the country’s approach to holding top officials accountable for their actions.
In summary, the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s overturning of the LHC’s decision regarding the sentencing of former President Pervez Musharraf for high treason marks a significant moment in the country’s legal and political landscape. This decision sends a strong message about accountability and the rule of law, setting a new precedent for holding top officials responsible for their actions.