SC rejects presidential candidate’s plea for relief

CJP Khosa says it is not prerogative of court to appoint president of Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has rejected a review petition filed by presidential election 2002 candidate Major (retd) Faisal Naseer, seeking relief in the case.

A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khosa, heard the case on Tuesday.

During the proceedings, CJP Khosa remarked, “After the decision of the high court, where have you been for seven to eight years. You are saying that you will curb terrorism after becoming president … we wait for such a ‘Messiah’ like you.”

Khosa inquired, “Major Sahib, were you elected president of Pakistan unopposed?”

Naseer replied in the affirmative. Then the CJP said General (retd) Pervez Musharraf was president in 2002.

The applicant replied, “Musharraf could not participate in politics or contest elections in uniform. My reference against Musharraf was not forwarded by the Election Commission of Pakistan. The high court had rejected my appeal against the ECP without hearing me out.”

The chief justice remarked that the appeal against the decision of the high court was filed after 2,450 days.

“You are not seeking a small relief. If we announce a verdict in your favour, you would have left presidency in 2007 after becoming president in 2002,” remarked the CJP.

Naseer said a decision in his favour would abolish all of Musharraf’s actions, including the National Reconciliation Ordinance.

The CJP remarked, “You say that the court should appoint you president. It is not the prerogative of the court to appoint the president of Pakistan as the law does not permit providing such relief.”