Former Pakistani President Musharraf may go on trial for treason

ISLAMABAD, June 24 (UPI) -- Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf should be charged with treason for declaring a state of emergency in 2007, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Monday.

Sharif accused Musharraf of illegally ignoring the constitution in November 2007 when he declared a state of emergency, suspended the constitution, replaced the chief judge and blacked out independent television outlets, CNN reported.

The former president said he did so in reaction to rising Islamic extremism, but it drew sharp criticism from the United States and democracy advocates. Soon after he lifted the state of emergency, Musharraf's party was dealt a blow in elections and in August 2008 he stepped down.

Attorney General Munir A. Malik was expected to review petitions seeking a trial for treason for Musharraf Monday, Dawn.com reported.

If Musharraf goes to trial, it will mark the first time a former military ruler is tried for treason in Pakistan's history.