Musharraf's treason trial controversial in Pakistan

The Pakistani government's decision to initiate treason proceedings against former president Pervez Musharraf has stirred up a controversy as some critics view the move as a means to divert attention from serious domestic problems.

The government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has taken the decision amid rumors that Musharraf would be allowed to leave the country under a deal.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan announced on Sunday that the government would try Musharraf for high treason for abrogating the country's Constitution when he imposed emergency rule in 2007.

A day later, the country's Supreme Court accepted the government's request to establish a special court for the trial of the former military chief, who dismissed the government of Sharif in 1999 when he was then prime minister. The chief justice, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, quickly forwarded the names of five judges of the high court to the government.

Sharif late on Tuesday approved the names of three judges for the special tribunal, his office said. The most senior, Justice Faisal Arab of the High Court in southern Sindh province, will head the tribunal.

Musharraf will be the first military ruler in Pakistan's 66-year history to be tried for high treason, a crime punishable by death or life imprisonment, according to legal experts.

Musharraf took over the government in a bloodless coup when he dismissed the government of Sharif in 1999. It is his imposition of emergency rule and suspension of the Constitution in 2007 that is viewed as treason. Sharif first announced the filing of high treason charges against Musharraf in a speech to the parliament in June.

The decision has deeply divided the people and critics have raised many questions, including the timing of the trial. The country is facing a serious challenge from Taliban militants.

Some have argued that the Pakistani government should focus on improvement of security and solving the country's worst energy shortage and fragile economy.

(China Daily 11/21/2013 page11)