Islamabad: A special court in Pakistan has ordered authorities to freeze the bank accounts of former president Pervez Musharraf and confiscate his property.
According to a report in The Dawn, the court hearing treason charges against Pervez Musharraf passed the order after the former Army chief failed to appear despite repeated notices sent to him.
A three-member bench also adjourned the hearing of the case until the former president is either arrested or surrenders on his own.
Taking strong objection to the absence of the former president, Justice Miankhel remarked, "according to law, the accused cannot be trialed in absentia.”
"A compliance report of the orders must be submitted with the court," the court mentioned in its order.
Pervez Musharraf’s lawyer had argued that his client is unwell and currently abroad for treatment. He also pleaded for recording of Musharraf’s statement via Skype.
However, the court refused to accede to the demand.
The former President had left Pakistan on March 18 after the country’s Supreme Court upheld Sindh High Court directions to remove his name from the exit control list (ECL).
