People feel threatened by Musharraf: CJP

CJP says former president should return to Pakistan and face the law

Alluding to an earlier statement by deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Saturday said former president Pervez Musharraf's return to the country should not be construed as a threat by any individual.

“How can Musharraf harm anyone?” the chief justice asked during the hearing of the water scarcity case at the Karachi registry.

Justice Nisar further said that the former president should return to Pakistan and face the law.



“We have summoned Musharraf but people feel threatened by his return,” CJP remarked.

The Supreme Court, earlier this week, summoned former military ruler Pervez Musharraf on June 13 in response to a petition against his lifetime disqualification to contest the elections in view of the Peshawar High Court (PHC) 2013 judgement.

The Supreme Court’s three-judge bench, headed by justice Nisar, took up an appeal, filed by Musharraf against the PHC verdict to disqualify him for life for promulgating emergency in November 2007. Musharraf is also head of the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML).

The court also assured that Musharraf’s counsel the former president would not be arrested. It also allowed the returning officers to receive his nomination papers for the upcoming election. However, acceptance of his nomination papers will be subject to the outcome of this case.



Currently, Musharraf is being tried by a special court for subverting the Constitution on November 3, 2007, and the prosecution is trying its best to record his statement under 342CrPc in this case. The special court has already ordered the federal government to suspend his CNIC and passport.

Nawaz lamented the decision stating that while former president Gen (retd) Musharraf was enjoying virtual immunity despite violating the Constitution, he had been barred from visiting his ailing wife in London.

He said it was beyond comprehension that Musharraf was being permitted to contest the elections.

The PML-N's supreme leader said it was beyond one’s comprehension how Musharraf got to enjoy preferential treatment.