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Friday, March 29, 2024

“Tell Musharraf to come to Pakistan,” says CJP

News Analysis |

On Thursday, the Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar gave another opportunity to the former Army Chief Pervez Musharraf to return to Pakistan and appear before the court. The CJP said that the former president Pervez Musharraf will not be arrested if he arrives in Pakistan to file his nomination papers for the upcoming general elections.

The CJP was hearing a petition filed by Musharraf on June 05, 2015, regarding alleged rejection of his nomination forms for the upcoming general elections. According to media reports, the former military ruler had filed his nomination paper to contest for a National Assembly seat NA-250 Karach (South)

But the returning officer rejected his papers on the grounds “that he had held in abeyance and suspended the Constitution on Nov 3, 2007, detained and removed a number of superior court judges and publicly insulted the then Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry”.

Pervez Musharraf argues that the emergency he declared in 2007 was not only his decision. “It is a matter of record that a number of politicians and members of the last and current national and provincial assemblies were consulted before imposing the emergency,” the lawyer of the former President has contended.

Musharraf’s Lawyer Demanded a written Order

The former President’s lawyer said, in yesterday’s hearing, that his client was willing to come if the chief justice issues a written order saying that the former president must not be arrested if he arrives in Pakistan. “Tell Musharraf to come to Pakistan,” replied the CJP, adding that the former military dictator will not be arrested upon his arrival.

Read more: Army cannot afford another Musharraf entry

Moreover, the lawyer also told the CJP that Musharraf’s nomination papers had not been accepted in earlier elections. The CUP said if Musharraf returns back and submits his nomination form, the returning officer will accept the forms.

Before that Mohammad Amjad Ali, the secretary general Pakistan Muslim League (APML), told a group of journalists that Musharraf — who is the president of the APML —will return after Eid.  “The former president will return even if his appeal is rejected. He will lead the party during elections. We will announce our candidates in a few days,” he said.

Interior Ministry Directs NADRA to Block his NIC

The Interior Ministry has directed the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to block the National Identity Card (NIC) and passport of the former President Pervez Musharraf. Pervez Musharraf is wanted in the high treason case and has failed to appear before the court. A special court recently ordered the Interior Ministry to block Musharraf’s NIC.

As the former president’s nic has been blocked he won’t be able to leave the country or withdraw money from his bank accounts. “he will also be barred from sale and purchase of his properties in Pakistann and abroad,” said sources.

General (retd) Musharraf is being trialed for imposing emergency in 2007 and detaining the judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. A case was registered against him in 2013 and his name was placed in the Exit Control List (ECL) by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on the directives of the Sindh High Court (SHC).

Read more: Musharraf to face the court; interior ministry directs NADRA to block his NIC

Later on, the Supreme Court of Pakistan allowed Musharraf to go abroad for his medical check-up and his name was removed from the ECL.

Moreover, the special court has declared Mr. Musharraf an absconder, issued perpetual warrants of his arrest and commenced proceedings under Section 87, 88 CrPC for attachment of his properties on July 19, 2016.

Musharraf is yet to come back and face the courts in Pakistan.