A file photo of former preisdent of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf. PHOTO: AFP
Responding to an application filed on Thursday, the Sindh High Court granted a 10 day bail period for the former president. Technically, the Supreme Court could intervene to reverse the order.
The application for pre-arrest bail was in relation to the Provisional Constitutional Order Judges case which dates back to a move made by the former president in 2007. At the time, Musharraf declared a Provisional Constitutional Order, which declared a state of emergency and suspends the Constitution. All judges were asked to take oath under the PCO, failing which, they were placed under house arrest.
Later in the day, the high court also granted former president a pre-arrest bail for the Akbar Bugti and Benazir Bhutto murder case.
To preclude the prospect of his arrest on arrival, his daughter, Ayla Raza, petitioned a court in Karachi on his behalf for protective bail in the three cases.
"He has been given pre-arrival, protective bail in all three cases," Musharraf's lawyer Ahmad Raza Kasuri told AFP.
Judge Sajjad Ali Shah posted bail at 300,000 rupees ($3,000) over the 2007 sacking of judges, the 2006 death of Akbar Bugti, a Baluch rebel leader in the southwest, and the murder of Bhutto in a gun and suicide attack.
“I am happy to learn the SHC has granted me relief by authorizing pre-arrest bail in all the politically motivated cases filed against me,” Musharraf’s responded on social media shortly after the decision was announced.
The former president who plans to end his self-exile with a return to Pakistan was involved in a number of cases in the courts relating to the assassination of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Benazir Bhutto, the death of baloch tribal head Nawab Akbar Bugti and the incident of the Lal Masjid.
"He has full protection now and he cannot be arrested in these cases upon his arrival in Pakistan," Salman Safdar, another Musharraf lawyer, told AFP.
At the Sindh High Court, a handful of activists from Musharraf's All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) party flashed victory signs and chanted "Long Live Musharraf" and "Musharraf will come back, he will bring prosperity".
The outgoing government (PPP) always insisted that Musharraf would be arrested should he return to the country and last year he delayed a planned homecoming after being threatened with detention.
Bhutto's son, Bilawal Bhutto, who is co-chairman of the PPP with his father, President Asif Ali Zardari, has accused Musharraf of murdering his mother.
She was killed after an election rally in Rawalpindi, the headquarters of the army, on December 27, 2007.
In 2010, a UN report said the murder could have been prevented and accused Musharraf's government of failing to provide Bhutto with adequate protection.
Musharraf is set to arrive in Karachi on March 24, to contest the upcoming general elections under the banner of his party, the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML).
COMMENTS (20)
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I am sure even I believe that there is nothing going to happen to Musharraf by the these false,untrue,fabricated and embellished cases against him because Musharraf ain't involved in any case and all these cases are filed against Musharraf on political bases/grounds and in Musharraf's regime Pakistan's economic conditions were much the best,excellent,strongest and august than PPP's regime.....
If Pakistanis want to establish some sort of law and order in the country then they will have to establish a precedence to show the world that court orders are obeyed, a warrant for his arrest was issued and even the Interpol was asked to assist, therefore it is utmost important to arrest him as soon as he lands in Pakistan. This is the guy who has violated the constitution of Pakistan twice and has admitted it to the BBC himself , if he is free to roam around in the country then God may help you people. you can't complain when the world thinks that Pakistan is a lawless country, by reading the above comments reinforces the notion that indeed Pakistan is a lawless country where might is right, and these high class criminals could get away with murders.
Hats off to you for choosing to come here. While I think it is a bit too late to organize your party and be a legitimate challenge, at least it shows that you are not afraid to put your money where your mouth is.
Unlike the so called "leader" hiding in the UK other places, you have shown that you care enough to come to this trouble torn country. My vote to you whether APML wins or loses.
@cautious: "Never heard of any country granting “pre arrest bail”"
India has antcipatory bail which is essentially the same thing.
@Ishtiaer hussain
That economic prosperity was due to Musharraf redirecting American military aid to support the economy - that gravy train is over. I would also point out the Musharraf is extremely rich and he didn't get that way through his govt salaries.
He will be arrested within three days of his landing. There will be serious problem if he is arrested and there will be serious problem if he is not arrested also. Pakistan has asked Interpol to assist in his arrest and also issued arrest warrants for him. They shall ask why Pakistan is not arresting when he is in the country itself. No one other than MQM can protect him to some extent in Pakistan. Who knows, Altaf Hussein may also land in Pakistan all of a sudden and together they can become the next leaders of Pakistan.
Why Pakistan's National Assembly is not rejecting this decision of Sindh High Court?
Never heard of any country granting "pre arrest bail" - criminals don't get to negotiate bail as a condition of there submitting themselves to justice. Just another example of a broken judiciary system.
Musharraf is the best leader Pakistan ever had. We need him badly. The other so called political leaders simply consider politics as a base for their busniesses. Allah bless Musharraf.
Musharraf did more for the country's economy than any of the present crop of so-called democrats. Well come, Sir.
Here in Bangladesh, we have Lt. Gen. (r) H. M. Ershad, who after resigning presidency of the country has been able to create a place in the country's politics and he remains the only military distator in ant country of the world to do so. I welcome Mr. Musharraf's struggle for making a safe place for his politics in Pakistan. The question is whether he will be able to emulate Mr. Ershad remains to be seen!
Good luck & God speed!
He is no more a military man.As a civilian it is his right to take part in any elections. if you want to go in past his past is better than any other leader.
If Musharraf is allowed to contest the coming elections, he would certainly spoil IK's party and become a king maker if not the king.
These political motivated cases have no standing. Welcome Sir, my vote for you.
His participation in the elections would bring choices to the people of Pakistan. The more choices the more voters and elections would be meaningful.
simply a trap for him . Want to draw him in the country . Be care full Mr. Mushraf .
Gen. Musharraf's arrival in Pakistan is a good omen.
I have opened up my arms to meet and greet him upon his arrival.
Have a safe journey, General Sahib.
Only Musharraf can control the growing extremism in the country. I admire IK but I believe IK will not be able to control the killings that happen every day.