DHAKA: Pakistan announced on Sunday it would put former military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, on trial for treason, punishable by death or life imprisonment, for imposing emergency rule in 2007.

‘Following the judgement of the Supreme Court and a report submitted by an inquiry committee, it has been decided to start proceedings against General Pervez Musharraf (for treason) under Article 6 of the Constitution,’ Pakistan interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan told a press conference televised live, reports The Straits Times.

‘It is happening for the first time in the history of Pakistan, and the decision has been taken in the national interest,’ Khan said.

The minister said the Supreme Court’s Chief Justice would on Monday receive a letter from the government requesting the setting-up of a tribunal of three high court judges to start proceedings against Musharraf for treason.

BDST: 2130 HRS, NOV 17, 2013
RoR/SRS