Court defers Musharraf's indictment in high treason case

A female police officer stands guard outside the special court formed to try former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf for treason in Islamabad, February 18, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

Pakistan police arrest former president Musharraf

ISLAMABAD - A Pakistani special court, hearing high treason case against former President Pervez Musharraf, on Tuesday deferred his indictment after his defense lawyers insisted the special court first delivers verdict if it has jurisdiction to hear case against the former military chief.

Musharraf, who has been accused of abrogating the constitution in 2007, briefly appeared before the three-member special court for the first time to avoid a possible arrest.

The court had issued bailable arrest warrant for Musharraf on January 31 after he did not appear on previous hearings despite several orders. His lawyers had earlier claimed that he could not come to the court due to poor health condition.

Musharraf was taken to a military hospital last month when he was heading to the court in Islamabad.

After Musharraf's repeatedly refusal to appear, the special court had hinted to issue un-bailable arrest warrant if he could not appear on February 18.

Musharraf did not speak in the court room and later was driven to the hospital.

The court adjourned the hearing and said it will deliver verdict on Friday whether it has the jurisdiction to continue the high treason trial or a military court put Musharraf on trial.