Interpol Likely To Issue Musharraf’s Arrest Warrant

Islamabad, March 8, IRNA -- The Interpol is likely to issue Red Warrant against Pakistan’s former military ruler Pervez Musharraf in a couple of days in connection with the 2007 murder of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, a media report has said. A private TV report quoted officials as saying the warrants would be issued over a request by the government of Pakistan. The Interior Ministry had requested the Interpol office in Islamabad to issue warrants against the former dictator, as the court of law has already declared him absconder in the assassination case of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. The Supreme Court on Tuesday also ordered that summons be posted on Musharraf’s residence in Islamabad. The court summoned him on March 22. A police officer has confirmed that the notice was posted on Musharraf’s house at Chak Shehzad area of Islamabad. The notice asks Musharraf to appear before the Supreme Court on March 22 along with his Identity Card to prove that he is a Pakistani. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry yesterday directed authorities to paste the notice at Musharraf's residence after he failed to respond to repeated calls to appear in court. The apex court is currently hearing a petition filed by Bhutto's former protocol officer Aslam Chaudhry, who wants a second report to be registered against Musharraf and 12 others in connection with her assassination on December 27, 2007. Musharraf, who is also head of a political party, has been living in self-exile in London and Dubai since early 2009. He had announced late last year to return to Pakistan but later delayed the return to Pakistan after Prime Minister and several ministers said that he would be arrested upon arrival. Seven suspects, including two senior police officers, are currently facing trial for Bhutto's assassination. The police officers were arrested on charges of negligence in providing security to Bhutto. Benazir Bhutto was killed in a suicide attack and firing shortly after addressing an election rally in Rawalpindi near Islamabad./end