Islamabad, June 6 (ANI): Pakistan authorities have reportedly filed a petition in an anti-terrorist court seeking former president General Pervez Musharraf's trial in absentia in connection with the assassination of ex-premier Benazir Bhutto.
The Federal Investigation Agency filed a petition with the Anti-Terrorist Court-I (ATC) in Rawalpindi.
A senior Public Prosecutor of the agency Chaudhry Zulfiqar said the ATC, in the light of the challan submitted by FIA, had declared Musharraf an absconder and ordered to freeze his assets.
"Under the Clause 19 and sub-section 10 of the ATC, any accused can be sentenced five to 10 years rigorous imprisonment on completion of the trial in absentia," The Daily Times quoted Zulfiqar, as saying.
Earlier, the FIA had informed Interpol that the arrest warrant of Musharraf issued by the anti-terrorist court would remain valid until its compliance.
"The Interpol through a letter had asked from FIA about the expiry date of the arrest warrant. In response, we conveyed them that it will remain valid until the arrest of Musharraf," Zulfiqar said.
"The arrest warrant will remain effective until handing over of Pervez Musharraf to Pakistan or unless the trial court itself cancels it," he added.
Zulfiqar said the Interpol has also been informed that the arrest warrant was issued by the court in the light of FIA's challan in the case of the attack on Bhutto in 2007 and due to Pervez Musharraf's continued absence from attending court proceedings. (ANI)