ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – The Supreme Court of Pakistan has upheld the death sentence of late former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, which was originally awarded to him in the high treason case. Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa announced the decision, overturning the previous Lahore High Court ruling.
Musharraf was found guilty of high treason in December 2019 by a special court in Islamabad, marking the first time in Pakistan’s history that a military chief had been declared guilty and punished. However, the Lahore High Court later declared unconstitutional all actions taken against Musharraf, leading to the abolition of the death penalty.
The Supreme Court took up a set of appeals pertaining to the Lahore High Court’s decision, ultimately dismissing the appeals against Musharraf’s sentence. In the midst of the proceedings, concerns were raised about the jurisdiction and nature of the appeals, with the state counsel opposing the appeal filed against the former president’s sentence.
The decision to uphold Musharraf’s death sentence signifies a significant moment in Pakistan’s legal history, and the ruling has marked a turning point in the country’s approach to holding high-ranking officials accountable for their actions. It also raises important questions about the role and autonomy of the judiciary in addressing cases of high treason and other serious offenses.
In summary, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has upheld the death sentence of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf in the high treason case, overturning the Lahore High Court’s previous decision. This marks the first time in Pakistan’s history that a military chief has been declared guilty and punished, further highlighting the complexities and challenges of holding high-ranking officials accountable for their actions.