ISLAMABAD: A bailable arrest warrant has been issued by the Balochistan High Court against former Pakistani president General Pervez Musharraf in a case pertaining to the alleged murder of former Baloch nationalist leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti in 2006. A divisional bench of the court passed the order during a hearing of review petition challenging acquittal of the 73 year old by an anti-terrorism court in the case.
Justice Jamal Mandokhail and Justice Zaheeruddin Kakar heard the review petition filed by Nawabzada Jamil Bugti, son of the deceased leader.
While Musharraf's counsel Akhtar Shah pleaded that although his client respects the court, he cannot appear due to "security reasons", Bugti's lawyer responded saying that despite repeated orders, the former president has failed to appear. The court ordered that the administration should ensure adequate security to Musharraf while he appears in court.
Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Bugti was killed in an operation in Balochistan's Kohlu district, on August 26, 2006. He had led an armed campaign to press for provincial autonomy and greater share of profits from Balochistan's natural resources. His death had sparked angry protests in different parts of the country.
