Musharraf should be put on trial for October 1999 coup: Kaira

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira has said that the trial of former President Pervez Musharraf for subverting the Constitution should start from October 12, 1999, rather than November 3, 2007.

On 12 October, 1999, the Pakistani Army led by Musharraf had staged a coup to take control of the country.

Musharraf later appointed himself as the Chief Executive of the country. This change in status was brought about by a proclamation of emergency in the country and issuance of a number of orders by the Chief Executive.

Musharraf had also declared a state of emergency on November 3, 2007, which lasted until December 15, 2007, during which the constitution of Pakistan was suspended.

“No doubt November 3 is a black day in the history of the country, though October 12, 1999 was similar black day when a democratically elected government was toppled,” the News quoted Kaira, as saying.

Kaira further said that the emergency imposed in 2007 was unconstitutional, as Musharraf had taken the step as an Army Chief and not as the President.

“Some people are demanding his trial under Article 6 of the Constitution, but on October 12, 1999, he had done even worse,” Kaira added. (ANI)