Pakistan court seeks gov't reply on Musharraf's treason proceedings

ISLAMABAD, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's top court on Monday sought reply from the government about petitions seeking former President Pervez Musharraf's trial for subverting the constitution and imposing an emergency rule in 2007, local media reported.

The Supreme Court in its interim order asked the government whether or not it wants high treason proceedings against Musharraf, who returned to Pakistan last month after over four years of self exile.

The two-member bench said that the federation has not yet replied to the petitions despite issuance of notices last week. The court asked the attorney general to submit its replies by April 17 when the court resumes hearing of the case.

Attorney General Irfan Qadir told the apex court that the government has not yet given him any instructions about the case.

Musharraf also submitted his reply through his defence council, asking for a full court to hear the petitions.

The court last week rejected plea from the petitioners to arrest the former president. However, it banned Musharraf from leaving the country. The Interior Ministry later put his name on the Exit Control List.

Musharraf is also facing other charges, including the ones over the 2006 killing of Baloch tribal leader Nawab Akbar Bugti and the 2007 assassination of former Premier Benazir Bhutto.

Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008, denied all charges and said he will defend himself in courts. He had resigned in August 2008 to avoid impeachment by the parliament and then went into exile.

He returned to Pakistan last month after over four years of self exile in Britain and the UAE. He is now taking part in the parliamentary elections and also plans to campaign for his All Pakistan Muslim League party.

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