ISLAMABAD/QUETTA: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif dropped the strongest hint on Monday to file a written request before the Supreme Court to try former military ruler General (retd) Pervez Musharraf for treason under Article 6 of the Constitution.
The ex-military strongman may face a possible death penalty or life imprisonment if convicted.
Addressing the National Assembly, Nawaz Sharif said that the former president had committed treason by abrogating the Constitution and he should be tried under the law.
Moreover, the premier said Musharraf would be tried for imposing a state of emergency in the country in 2007 while also suspending the Constitution.
Attorney General Munir A. Malik submitted his response to the Supreme Court, stating that the procedure to try Musharraf under Article 6 of the Constitution has begun today.
Leader of Opposition Khurshid Shah welcomed the prime minister's speech and said that the pictures of all past dictators should be removed from the parliament premises.
Earlier, the apex court had asked the government to clarify its position on the petitions urging the court to try the former general under Article 6 of the Constitution.
"Musharraf ignited fire in Balochistan"
Chief Minister Balochistan, Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch also endorsed the federal government's decision to try Musharraf for treason under Article 6 of the Constitution of Pakistan.
Speaking to media representatives after the Balochistan Assembly's session on Monday, Dr. Malik Baloch said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif deserved to be appreciated for announcing the trial of former military ruler.
"Musharraf must be tried for violating the constitution", he demanded, adding that punishment to Musharraf would close the path of dictatorship once and for all. He said Musharraf's arrest and punishment remained a long standing demand of people of Balochistan.
"Musharraf ignited fire in Balochistan", Dr. Baloch added.
He recalled that Nawab Akbar Bugti was murdered during Musharraf's military regime, and that the law and order situation in the province had worsened in the aftermath of the Baloch leader's murder.
"I am one of the architects of the 18th amendment", he said, adding that now there was no room for military dictators in Pakistan. He said Pakistan must be a true democratic state with all nationalities having equal rights.
— Syed Ali Shah contributed to reporting from Quetta