Sharif to be indicted for attempt to murder

Sharif to be indicted for attempt to murder
AGENCIES

ISLAMABAD, DECEMBER 3: Deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his brother Shahbaz and five other top officials will be arraigned tomorrow in an anti-terrorism court on charges of hijacking, attempt to murder and high treason to mark the formal opening of a trial that could take them to the death row.

The filing of the chargesheet against Sharif and six co-accused in the case is expected to be delayed in view of the changes in the anti-terrorist act announced by the military regime last night. The amendment of the act widens powers of anti-terrorist courts and will now be headed by a high court judge.

The trial opens amid growing fears that Sharif's fate may already have been sealed, especially after one of his close allies and co-accused turned approver. The two-time premier has expressed fears that the army rulers want to hang him for crimes he did not commit.

``I only ask for an open, free and fair trial and their cooked up story will expose itself and the world will judge the hollowness of theaccusations,'' Sharif has said.

The United States shares his concern and has deputed an observer from its Karachi consulate to attend the proceedings as part of the Clinton administration's efforts to keep a close eye on the trial. Judge Jaffri has outlawed speculative reporting and statements attacking the character or conduct of anyone involved in the case. The order was passed on a request from attorney general Raja Qureshi.

The anti-terrorism court that will hear the case is a product of Sharif's efforts for speedy disposal of cases to contain growing ethnic violence. Under the anti-terrorism act of 1997, these cases are required to conduct proceedings on a day-by-day basis and pronounce their verdict within a month.

Syed Ghous Ali Shah, advisor to the former PM on Sindh affairs, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, ex-chairman of the PIA and Rana Maqbool Ahmed, former inspector-general of Sindh police, are the other accused in the case.