The return from exile of Pervez Musharraf to Pakistan led to dramatic developments. He wanted to contest the coming general election in the country to fight corruption and ensure economic recovery. The judiciary disqualified him from participating in the election. He was subsequently arrested on treason charges, made his getaway but was arrested again. Now the Pakistan caretaker government which was formed last month to conduct the polls on May 11 has informed the Supreme Court that it would not file charges of treason against the former President as such a move was not part of its mandate. Seven lawyers had filed petitions seeking the trial. The apex court had asked for clarification from the government which has said that considering, deliberating or commencing any legal proceedings under Article 6 of the Constitution could not be done by the interim government. It would be the job of the newly elected government. The interim government is busy providing security to election candidates. The court is not happy with the attitude. Justice Jawwad Khwaja said that the government might even express inability to file an FIR against Musharraf.
The interim government has taken the right decision. Law Minister Ahmed Bilal Soofi has however said that the Supreme Court should have the final say in the matter. The fact remains that in the turmoil clouding prospects of the general election, it is better that the interim government avoids controversial issues. Musharraf’s trial is not an urgent issue since he is in custody. He has a following in Pakistan who will make things hot if he is put on trial during the run-up to the elections.
