LAHORE: Lawyers, media persons, politicians and human rights activists have opposed the trial of only former president Pervez Musharraf under Article 6 of the Constitution and that too only for acts subsequent to November 3, 2007.
They were addressing a seminar held by Lahore High Court Bar Association in collaboration with the Lahore Press Club on Article 6 at Karachi Shuhada Hall.
In a joint communiqué, the house emphasised that neither the parliament nor the judiciary can legitimise unconstitutional acts of dictators and their collaborators. This house deplores that in the past these institutions have assisted military dictators.
This house considers that by putting one single person on trial and that too only for acts subsequent to November 3, 2007, would be a farce. It would smell of vengeance rather than justice. The treason committed since 1956 be considered a crime as required under the law.
The house demanded that all those who subverted, abrogated or suspended the Constitution since 1956 and their collaborators and aides should be tried so that justice is done.
Abid Saqi in his brief address said that the example should be set so in future no dictator should dare to play havoc with the Constitution.
Arshad Ansari said Musharraf should not only be tried for subverting the constitution but for all his heinous crimes like handing over Pakistani citizens including women and children to USA after attack on world trade center. He said there should be no bias while trying Musharraf for high treason.
IA Rehman said the judicial and parliament record was not that good in Pakistan. Ayaz Amir said justice should not be selective and Musharraf should be given fair trial.
Internews
