Supreme Court bars Musharraf from contesting Pakistan General Election

June 14, 2018

Last week SC allowed him to contest the July 25 general election subject to condition that he appears before it.

On Thursday, Pakistan’s Supreme Court withdrew a conditional permission for former military ruler Pervez Musharraf to contest the elections after he failed to appear in Court.

Pervez Musharraf had filed his nomination from the northern district of Chitral after the Court last week allowed him to contest the 25th July general election but made it conditional on his appearance before it on 13th June in a case linked to his lifelong disqualification by Peshawar High Court in 2013.

On Wednesday, Chief Justice Saqib Nisar rebuked the former army chief for “cowardice”, taunting him for not appearing in Court & had told him to appear by 2 pm on Thursday.

During the hearing, his counsel Qamar Afzal informed the Court that Musharraf, 74, was determined to return but it wasn't possible for him to come immediately.

“I've spoken to Musharraf, he asks for more time. He plans to come to Pakistan but due to Eid holidays & illness, he cannot travel immediately,” Afzal said.

It prompted the Chief Justice to adjourn the hearing for indefinite period, saying the next hearing will be held when the petitioner was ready for it.

“Alright, we will adjourn the Court hearing till indefinite time period, will hold it on your wish,” the Judge observed.

But the Judge he ordered to withdraw the conditional permission for Musharraf to contest the elections.