Pervez Musharraf’s hope of staging a political comeback by contesting the July 25 polls was quashed today when Pakistan’s Supreme Court withdrew the conditional permission given earlier to the former dictator after he failed to appear before it.
The apex court had earlier granted conditional permission to Musharraf, allowing him to file his nomination papers and contest the polls scheduled for July 25, provided the former military ruler appeared in court.
Supreme Court (SC) withdrew the conditional permission given earlier to the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) chairperson.
A four-member bench of the SC heard the case pertaining to Musharraf’s return. The former dictator requested more time to return to the country, however, the court refused to entertain his requests after granting a day-long extension in the June 13 deadline.
Musharraf’s counsel, Qamar Afzal, appeared on his behalf. “I have spoken to Musharraf, he asks for more time. He plans to come to Pakistan but due to Eid holidays and illness, he can’t travel immediately,” Afzal added.
“Alright, we’ll adjourn the court hearing till indefinite time period, will hold it on your wish,” the chief justice responded.
