Pakistan Army Outraged by Former President’s Death Sentence

Six years after the case was launched, the three-judge tribunal sentenced Musharraf, 76, after finding him guilty of committing high treason and of violating the constitution when he imposed emergency rule over a decade ago. 

Musharraf, who overthrew Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a coup in 1999 and ruled until his resignation in 2008, was convicted in absentia as he currently lives in Dubai, where he is undergoing medical treatment.

If he dies before he is apprehended and executed, “his corpse (should) be dragged to D-Chowk, Islamabad, Pakistan, and be hanged for three days,” the ruling said, referring to the square just outside the parliament.

Minister of Law Farogh Naseem said during a press conference on Thursday that the ruling and its wording were “beyond humanity, religion, civilization or any values” and that judge Waqar Ahmad Seth was “unfit” for any high court.

The sentence raised tensions between the military and the judiciary as army officials claimed the trial was unfair. Musharraf’s lawyers will appeal the ruling.

Minister Naseem’s statement came after the army took the issue up with Prime Minister Imran Khan. 

It’s the first time in Pakistan that a former president has been given a death sentence. 

Top generals and military leaders blasted the historic ruling, claiming Musharraf was “never a traitor” and their former colleague would appeal the verdict.

“An ex-Army Chief, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee and President of Pakistan, who has served the country for over 40 years, fought wars for the defense of the country can surely never be a traitor," read a statement from the military.

Akhtar Shah, Musharraf’s lawyer, told OCCRP that his client had immunity from criminal charges as he was both president and head of the army at the time.

“He hasn't done anything wrong,” said Shah.

Despite the outcry from those connected to the former dictator, the news was cheered by political opponents.

“This is an unprecedented sentence against the powerful dictator that will strengthen the democracy and rule of law in Pakistan,” said Ahsan Iqbal, the Secretary General of Pakistan’s Muslim League Nawaz.

Musharraf was also accused in 2018 of having abused his post and of owning assets he can’t really afford.

The National Accountability Bureau had summoned him and his wife to explain where they got the money from to obtain 10 assets such as expensive properties in posh areas and luxurious vehicles.

The properties include a house in Karachi, plots in Islamabad, and two Toyota Land Cruisers, Two Toyota Hilux and one Toyota Corolla.

Neither Musharraf, nor his wife returned from Dubai to answer those questions.