SC restrains Pervez Musharraf from contesting upcoming elections after no-show

ISLAMABAD - Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar retracted a conditional permission granted to General (retd) Pervez Musharraf to contest the upcoming general election after his counsel informed that the former president will not return to the country today.

Musharraf's counsel informed a five-judge bench headed by Justice Nisar that Musharraf will not be able to return to the country owing to the current situation and Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.

The chief justice had earlier today inquired whether Musharraf would show up before the court or not.

“Find out if Musharraf will appear before court or not,” the chief justice ordered the deputy attorney general, adding that an update regarding the former president's appearance should be submitted in court at the earliest.

“The hearing was scheduled for 2:00 pm today but we can wait if Musharraf will appear before court,” Justice Nisar said but hastened to add that the court staff had to leave for Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.

Earlier on Wednesday, the former president's spokesperson cast doubts over the return of Musharraf, citing the lack of necessary travel documents.

In a statement that took political analysts by surprise, APML Secretary-General Dr Amjad cited 'difficulties in purchasing tickets back home' as the reason for dismal chances of former chief of the army staff's return to the country.

Musharraf was trying to get new dates from the courts, Dr Amjad added.

Earlier, the party's secretary-general had said that Musharraf's preparations for the journey back home were in the final stage.

"We are reviewing the flight schedules," he said in an interview to Geo News.

Dr Amjad had asserted that Musharraf could land in Pakistan anytime through a direct or indirect flight.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday had asked the former chief of army staff-turned-president to appear before the Lahore registry by 2 PM on Thursday.

"The verdict will be announced in compliance with the law upon Musharraf's failure to follow the orders," he remarked.

The apex court also clarified that it was not bound to comply with any conditions set forth by Musharraf or any written agreement in this regard.

The Supreme Court, on June 7, had ordered the former president to appear before it and assured he would not be arrested upon appearance.

The chief justice had further observed that the scrutiny of Musharraf's nomination papers for the upcoming General Election 2018 would not be allowed if he failed to return to Pakistan.

Musharraf had submitted nomination papers for NA-1 Chitral seat.