DHAKA: The Pakistani government formed a special three-member tribunal on Wednesday to prosecute former military ruler Pervez Musharraf on treason charges for suspending the constitution in 2007.

It comes after the government announced Sunday it would open treason proceedings against Musharraf, who just weeks ago was granted bail in four other criminal cases, including one for murdering former premier Benazir Bhutto in 2007.

Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif finalised the names of the three senior judges who will hear the first treason trial in the history of Pakistan, his office announced, without saying when it would open, reports The Voice of Russia.

Ahmed Raza Kasuri, Musharraf’s chief counsel, said the former military strongman would defend himself in the court.

The treason case stems from 2007, when Musharraf suspended the constitution, imposed emergency rule and sacked top judges.

Musharraf overthrew Sharif’s government in a military coup in October 1999 and ruled until 2008.

He returned to Pakistan earlier this year after more than four years in self-imposed exile, in order to once again seek political office.

However, the former strongman has spent much of the time under house arrest at his villa on the outskirts of Islamabad.

He was officially released earlier this month after bail was granted in the last case, but remained confined to his house due to security threats from Islamist militants.

BDST: 1624 HRS, NOV 20, 2013
RoR/BSK