ISLAMABAD: President Arif Alvi made his first appearance before an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad on Friday in Pakistani Television (PTV) and the 2014 Parliament attack Pencil case.
Alvi, who is appointed in the case, it came along with the ATC with his counsel Babar Awan and applied to decline availing himself of the presidential immunity he enjoys under article 248 of the Constitution.
The hearing was conducted by ATC judge Muhammad Ali Warraich.
The president informed the court that he has the prerogative to avail himself of the immunity provided by law of Pakistan, “however, I choose to withdraw it because I believe there should no difference between anyone. “
“When I learned that the court was about to deliver the verdict in the case, I decided to appear so there should don’t talk that I didn’t appear, “he told the judge.
The president said he tried to learn more on immunity through the studio of historical Islam, saying that it helped him to understand that there was no space for immunity to all.
“All the caliphs have appeared in law courts with great dignity, ”he said.
He appealed to the court to remove the backlog of cases and ensure quick dispensation of justice. “I also understand that there is a burden on the judiciary. “
He said his father he had filed a lawsuit in 1977 which was still subjudice.
The court reserved the verdict in the case last month, which will be announced on March 9.
Later, speaking with media outside at the court, the president said he was bound follow the laws of the country, but insisted that it did not want make use of immunity in the case.
“I appeared before the court today as a common citizen and not as president of Pakistan, “he said.
