Pakistan Formally Seeks Musharraf's Arrest and Extradition; Interpol Alerted

The Dawn reported that the Interior ministry has formally written to the Interpol asking the global network to issue a red corner notice for the arrest of Musharraf. Pakistan wants the former military strongman in the Benazir Bhutto assassination case.

An Interpol red corner notice is issued for minor crimes as well, but if charges are serious and related to terrorism or murder, governments are supposed to act with urgency, it has been pointed out.

The Dawn said Musharraf has been charged with murder in the Bhutto assassination case. The case was registered under section 302 of PPC (relating to murder) and sections 7 and 21 of ATA (serious offences of terrorism), and hence Pakistan is expecting an immediate and positive response to the request for the arrest of the former president, the newspaper reported.

Musharraf is currently in Dubai, and has been out of the country since 2009. He had planned to return to Pakistan and probably revive his All Pakistan Muslim League party. He had even scheduled a return during the last week of January. However, there were reports that Pakistani intelligence chief met him in Dubai and asked him not to return.

Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik had publicly warned that Musharraf would be arrested if he returned to Pakistan. The Pakistani Senate, the upper chamber of the parliament, had also passed a resolution demanding his arrest, and charging him with high treason.

The latest reports show that the Interior Ministry sent an email to the Interpol through its representatives in Pakistan. According to Dawn, the email read: Secretary General of Interpol Secretariat Lyon (France) is requested to issue 'red warrants' for Pervez Musharraf, former president of Pakistan, and arrest him through Interpol. A copy of red notice may please be furnished to this ministry.