The tribunal accused Musharraf of violating the constitution, imposing emergency on November 3, 2007 and detaining judges. PHOTO: AFP
Musharraf nomination papers were rejected from all four constituencies he had applied for.
"Yes, his paper has been rejected by the high court. We will file an appeal in the Supreme Court," Musharraf's lawyer Ahmed Raza Kasuri told AFP.
Earlier, the High court Rawalpindi bench election tribunal and election tribunal Lahore rejected former president Pervez Musharraf’s appeal regarding his nomination papers from NA-48 Islamabad and NA-139 Kasur-II respectively.
Later during the day, Peshawar High Court (PHC) election tribunal disqualified him from NA-32 Chitral although the returning officer had accepted his papers earlier.
There was difference between ex-president’s signatures on various nomination papers, the tribunal pointed out.
The court also objected that the person who submitted Musharraf’s nominations papers was not authorized to do so.
The nomination papers were submitted on March 30 by the representative while the authority letter was sent to that representative on April 4.
Apart from the above, Musharraf’s case became weak due to his alleged involvement in murder of Akbar Bugti, Benazir Bhutto and attack on Lal Masjid.
The former president’s nomination papers for Karachi, Islamabad and Chitral were earlier rejected by the returning officers. He was given a chance to appeal against the decision in the election tribunal, but the appeal was also rejected.
In the case of Islamabad and Kasur, the tribunal accused Musharraf of violating the constitution, imposing emergency on November 3, 2007 and detaining judges. Hence, he does not satisfy the criteria specified in article 62 and 63 of the constitution.
Musharraf was not solely responsible for the November 3 emergency; whole government was involved in the decision, the former president’s lawyer Malik Qamar Afzal argued.
The tribunal concluded the argument by saying Musharraf was the president at the time and was responsible for the steps taken.
COMMENTS (103)
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@shahid: Nawaz Sharif's biggest blunder was appointing an unqualified general out of sequence to become chief of the army. There were many more senior Generals than Musharraf but true to form, Musharraf showed no respect for the laws and constitution and took over as a dictator. His 10 years of illegal rule caused all of Pakistan's current problems. Musharraf deserves to be charged with treason and not let off so easily - what will stop the next general with a gun from taking over illegaly?
Musharraf's bigest blunder appointing Kiyani as military chief which will cost him his life..
No Game Over!!! All going well according to plan.
@Yoghurt lover - "How is the relationship between Kayani and Musharraf? Are they on good terms?"
Analysing Kayani's personality, i feel that Kayani is not the one who would go out of the way to help anyone. He seems to be a stickler to rules and fair play and will stay clear of all the adventurism and political backstabbing... Thus he is dependable on when everything is within the rules, but not beyond a limit and certainly not adventurism..
@Tera: "... India would learn the discipline that comes when being ruled by a Military Dictator."
We already tried the Emergency once, thank you. Never again will we allow that or any other form of dictatorship in our country.
but others are angles...????????@Comon:
These elections are not free and fair.
@Tera: "I think it would be a great idea if both countries swapped their politicians. Both would gain. Pakistan would learn the art of Diplomacy and India would learn the discipline that comes when being ruled by a Military Dictator. Win win situation for both countries."
Thanks but no thanks. The one and only time there was an attempt to impose Emergency in India (1975) , there was a huge reaction. Indira Gandhi was forced to hold elections after 2 years because people were not willing to trade off democracy with anything else including a temporary rise in standard of living. We will build and utlize democratic methods like Lok Pal, media, opposition, civil society participation to reward good governance and punish the corrupt. We do not want an all nowing dictator.
Also are you sure that Zia and Musharraf rules made Pakistan more disciplined or did extremism , drug and gun culture grow during those times? As for Ayub and Yahya - did their actions not contribute to partition of the country?
@Char Latan: That was easily the best post. Thank you for making me smile.
@Sultan Fatima
The candidacy of Jamshed Dasti was not disqualified by Supreme Court. In fact, the case never went on to the Supreme Court.
A Sessions Judge cancelled his nomination. Jamshed contested that decision in Lahore High Court and LHC declared his disqualification NULL AND VOID!
And do I need to remind you that Musharraf abrogated the constitution by ousting a democratically government? And then he went on to impose "emergency rule" which is not allowed in constitution and also removed the CJP illegaly.
I am amazed at the hatred generated by politicians and their paid touts the Urdu newspapers columnists and the ignorant TV anchors. Why the same hatred is shown against the corrupt and tyrant vaderas, choudhries, sardars and the like? Are we willing slaves? Shame on Jamath e Islami and PTI and all who objected and the judges that took such shameless and biased decision.
Biased decision against former President Musharraf.
A very biased decision by judiciary and ECP (their tedious procedure). People who have insulted the courts got themselves cleared. Very strange. So called democracy. New elections and same old corrupt politicians, in the name of democracy and religion will get themselves elected. .
The govt.of pak and its judisiary should restrained from revengeful tactics which made the pak always weak to establish democratic setup across the country.It is in the greater interest of pak to honour the decrum of presidential chair which Musharraf once held.It is admitted fact that it is better to have a crual govt than no govt.Hence the nation should rethink over the Musharraf's case and be given the chance to involve him in the democratic exercise so that the democracy also could be given the chance to flourish on the soil of pakistan to gain the attention and register its name among the democratic countries.
@Siddiqui: Yes, in the eye of the law they are all allegations until there has been a conviction. To go further, according to the law no one can be disqualified as long there is even an appeal pending. So these acts of disqualification are illegal and prove the judges are biased and not concerned with applying the law.
I see these comments who favor him to the nth degree, I wonder what kind of people will support a person who has taken over the government with the barell of the gun and disregarded the country's constitution. He should have been arrested at his arrival but it did not happen because the Army is still protecting him, some of these Generals are still waiting in the wings to take over and "save" Pakistan. Some how we profess to be democracy loving people but in fact we are not, we just can't see beyond our noses.What a unfortunate country and it's unfortunate people.
Totally biased judiciary when it disqualifies based on allegations. Since there are no convictions against Musharraf all these disqualifications are illegal according to the constitution they are alleging to uphold. Musharraf followers including lawyers should now come out on the streets and protest (peacefully) as that is the only mode of conduct this judiciary understands.
Ina lillahe wa inaeliahe rajoon. Sheer unjustice and foul play. I have lost any hope for Pakistan today. Musharraf should take his court to international court of justice. He should also try to get out of Pakistan ASAP otherwise he will have same fate as Bhutto. Nomatter if he was a Military commander. Army won't have any problem hanging him as he is not from the same ethnic background
Bughti case: No media mentions WHY he was killed. There was a colonel and major + other soldiers were also killed by him. No one talks about them and the main reason. Lal Masjid: What about cache of weapons, kidnapped kids, hostages, found inside the mosque. A worship place was full of militants and Musharraf did the right thing to get them out. Hence again, he is a bad guy. Are we really crazy? Benazir: How stupid can one be to bring her back, help her to get in power, elections, help and sort to erase all the cases including her husband's, and then kill her. Who was the most beneficiary from her death? Are we still crazy?
He may now take rest and have some good time with his dogs.......
Are we witnessing the last days of the already dismembered Pakistan?
The souls of Kargil martyrs hounding him. There are still some bodies of the valiant soldiers lying in Kargil heights.
Dead Falcon (found in Rajasthan and APML election symbol - Falcon) ???????? RAW knew it two days ago and was cautioning Musharraf. Musharraf should not have returned back to Pakistan. Saudis gave him good advice but he did not listen.
Now it would be best if his exit from Pakistan is facilitated by everyone and all. Proverbial "Too many a slip between the cup and the lip" for IK, if elections are not held.
I am not a supporter of Mr. Musharraf but I still do think that he and Mr. Imran Khan are the only ones who can take Pakistan forward. Unfortunately, one is out of the equation and the other one is going through the rigors of politics in Pakistan (could have stayed away from all this media and political circus but no that's not the case which shows itself the character of a man). I hope he gets elected as our new PM in the coming elections if not then I would agree with Mr. Sheikh Rasheed when he says in his talk shows specially this one "Phir to Pakistan Ka inna lillah.....". I am an optimist and all I can say that Pakistanis are more aware now then they were 5 years back, at least in the urban Pakistan.
Ha ha!
In Cricket analogy - He came out to bat, standing at the non-striker end and was run out without facing a single ball :D
Good job, Pakistan.I wrote earlier that in only in Pakistan would a man like Musharraf not be locked up forever. Now I am impressed that at least such a man is not allowed to run for elections. A baby step but still an important first step.
I have a great suggestion.
Why don't we invite Mush to go to India and enter their Politics?
If he is so clean, maybe he can help clean up things over there.
I think it would be a great idea if both countries swapped their politicians. Both would gain. Pakistan would learn the art of Diplomacy and India would learn the discipline that comes when being ruled by a Military Dictator.
Win win situation for both countries.
1) what about Imran khan and Nawaz sharif? Why they are allowed Imran does not comply article 62/63 and Nawaz also many other articles.
2) what about NAJAM SETHI he is made care taker PM punjab despite not meeting article 62/63?
3) what about president Zardari? does not meet many articles still holding office?
seems courts are biased justice is not done properly; They also need JUSTICE with them
Only option now is to vote for PTI.
Judiciary should be free from biasness. Now you could believe justice can be achieve from the courts. My blood boils to see the most corrupt and thieves who looted and known for their corruption were approved by ECP and courts and honest, not corrupted and who fight for the Pakistan cause is rejected from contesting. All the hindus its time for you to distribute sweets. I am feeling shameful for being a Pakistani where courts are biased and only corrupted get entertained.
This decision was imminent. A good one indeed !!!
waiting for the news of his jail terms
I am not at all surprised but very aggrevated.
Mush will write a sequel to "In the Line of Fire". It will be called "Fired".
If you're not corrupt and not having fake degree then this is going to happen with you. Whoever is against the system will be thrown out or will never come in power. Pakistan is all about slavery, enjoy the democracy guys.
@lol: Game is not over. Musharraf must continue mobilising people in support of his party. Such events infact help politicians to get popular and rise further.
nice decision...
"Vendetta, thy name is justice in Pakistan". There is a serious need of judicial reforms and depolarizing/depoliticizing judiciary of Pakistan.
Despite all his past actions, there is no denying that Musharraf remains one of the most capable persons to run the country, particularly at the current period when multiple crises are facing Pakistan. It simply isn't democracy, if the Pakistani people are denied their right to elect him.
Musharraf can be an accused but not a convict. Unless, one is proven to have committed a crime, its better to consider him innocent.Who knows what compulsions he had when he took the decisions that brought him down and out of the Pakistani Political Game. Since most, if not all, the thugs have been allowed to contest the Elections (thanks to misinterpretation and misrepresentation of the Article 62 and 63), why not let people decide on the fate of Musharraf.
Anybody with any illusions about the "judges", the "lawyers" only needs to visit F-8 Markaz in Islamabad and see how the so-called "lawyers" have constructed buildings on CDA land - see area next to Post Office and next to Police Station.
Lawyers who don't know law, don't know how to write an argument are the voters for the Bar Councils. Majority in Islamabad are locals who have become lawyers by default (don't need to do anything become a lawyer - just wait 1-2 years).
The "lawyers" are just a vehicle for the biased media to run their agendas - the lawyers don't mean anything, but they are a good way to hit at all the people who are non-threatening.
Note the media attacks Musharraf (because they know he won't beat them up) - but can say nothing against the Taliban.
Attacks on civilians are blamed on Musharraf, the police or law enforcement. None blame the constructors of those devices, or the ones sending people to do these things.
How much longer can these pull the wool over the public's eyes ?
Dr Ata ur Rahman, former Chairman HEC, should become Musharraf's lawyer, instead of Ahmed Raza Qasuri
time to apply article 6 , well done judges
Bugi death and Lal Masjid....?????
I thought him passing the NRO to save his own skin is grounds enough for death by hanging i.e. for treason against the country.
Sir, It was honor working with you. We did our best, we fought till the end, and we have no remorse.
It was worth a fight and we did fight. Lets retreat back in honor and go home after a final farewell.
See you all on the other side, it was a pleasure working with you gentleman.
The Game is not over....The Game just started. Judicial martial law will be removed by the actual martial law, as lawyers and judges are paving the way for the same. I wish our country remains out of all controversy. The game should be played in the Arena not outside
Biased Desicion!
Good Riddance. Now he should be tried for his crimes too! Can he tell where he got the 650 million from? I thought a General in Pakistan can accumulate only about 150 million in the shape of Plots !
@Muneer:
And arrest of Democratically elected prime minister was legal?
@Muneer: Allegations? my friend, are you trying to say that he did not implement martial law? are you trying to say he did not house arrest scores of judges? these were done in plain sight and those who defend these acts should be ashamed.
Having said that, I would agree that ECP is biased as there are many others who should also be disqualified. Although a good move however it does little to promote ECPs credibility by allowing corrupt leaders to run election.
Biased Decision!
Well done Pakistan, this is the way to move forward. Now lock him up and throw away the key.
This is the real change, for which country has been waiting for 65 year, and indeed, the fruit of democracy, which the Pakistan going to harvest, this is the what Ayaz amir wrote in his later column, “this could be such an excited country”. Our hope should be alive… I am sure; this process will strengthen the country as well democracy more.
personally i was expecting this judiciary is a joke in pakistan where extremist are given open hands and corrupt and convicted politicians nominations are accepted. Well good luck to PLM-N and Imran Khan both played there cards well and are given open grounds in election from ECP and taliban both while others are being threaten to even contest it. As of popularity of imran khan all the lotaas have roled onto him who are too ashamed to say they did vote for PPP, suport taliban or other small leaders zaid hamid
Easy way out for musharaf
Well that, one can call a fair decision by the PHC reversing its previous one. Musharraf should have been either allowed to contest in all constituencies or none. Der aaye par durust aaye.
So the courts showed there biased power again. Till now no hearing took place. The person is on bail. He cannot contest elections, but people who openly accepted of taking money and toppling goverment are allowed to contest these elections. Even people who openly declared that they are paying almost no tax to the government are allowed to contest. The courts are talking as if they are above the law....in any case.......biased Judiciary is wht we always had.........hopeing for the best Pakistan....
Salute to Returning Officers and Jamshed Dasti - this country is now only yours - excellent decisions to bring back the bunch of cluperts - this is not election process we must realize this is selection process - long live Pakistanis
Previosuly Aslam Baig was mistreated and now Musharraf is mistreated.
Why not Hameed Gul pointed out in any crimes he has done in past.... and then they say why to go for New Identity!
"Musharraf’s case became weak due to his alleged involvement in murder of Akbar Bugti, Benazir Bhutto and attack on Lal Masjid". This is so bad and this is conspiracy against Musharraf. The is just the revenge of lawyers and judges. Benazir Case who cares now. Her party was in government and they gave a damn to this because she died because of an injury due to land cruisers roof top. PPP still want to cash her death on every elections. Bibi is dead now we don't know why PPP could not do anything themselves and just taking revenge from Musharraf and Pakistani nation. State within state is totally against law so the Lal masjid group totally did wrong and they were treated the way they deserved. They judiciary is just showing their power to nation. This is very wrong and Pakistani nation strongly condemn this. If this is the issue then the CJ should leave his seat immediately because he came via PCO. I must say all the judiciary had connections with PPP and Noora league that is why they did not allow Musharraf to contest from anywhere. Musharraf has not good relations with Kiyani these days which is another sad news.
He should now be house arrested as he did with the judges while he was in khakis.
Howcome you impose martial law and derail democracy at one time and try to become the part of democracy at another time? And that too without any apology or remorse in the first place.
Only option now remaining with Musharraf is join Tahir ul Qadri, he might help him get Canadian Nationality!!!
@doom: It is certianly illegal as he has not been convicted of any offence.His papers have been rejected based on mere allegations.
BRAVO; If the papers of this guy were accepted, anybody could get away with any thing; 1- Abrogated constitution two times 2-Bribed politicians to be with him. 3Arrested 60 judges and confined their families to punish for their not following his orders. 4 Said he overthrew Govt to get the nation of two g big looeter and then offerred bribe to the bogets of all looters. 5-Intitiated argil war to sabitage the peace moves with India.He must answer for this disater.. .
@Muneer: oh really ... dream ON;
ECP: You have send a great message to international community that how much we love corruption..
should have been given a fair chance to contest elections.. he would have come to know his worth himself. zero
This is what Jungle LAW. This land is not for Genius and intelligent.
Musharra and PTI can only save pakistan. GOD bless you mush.
It is very unfortunate for Pakistan, its politics and its people that a person with such an international stature has been denied to participate in Election. He risked his life time & again to serve Pakistan and bring it out of its mess, but it seems the corrupt masses won again.
It is true people have short term memory, as they have certainly forgotten what great things Musharraf did for Pakistan when the country was in shambles back in 1999.
Mr Pervez Musharraf, hope things turn around for you, and never loose hope as it will get worse before it can get any better.
What else biased judiciafy could do? Pakistan first. I have given up, my country is failing in every term.
Guess Fakhru bhai has got a lot to explain. I am no fan of Musharraf but clearly, there are double standards being practiced. this will only bring chaos which could lead to anarchy.
Very good decisions. There is absolutely no bias. He has violated the constitution before, multiple times. And he still feels he was absolutely right in doing so. Who is to say he won't do it again if in power?
So that proves judiciary under CJ Iftikhar was biased against Musharraf in 2005,2006 and 2007 which ultimately led to emergency rule. If judiciary would interfere too much in executive and wont let it perform its duty then what outcome one would expect. Shame on judiciary that it has not learnt anything rather it has become more paranoid.
pretty much expected
Well, he is much better than the existing champions of so called democracy who have brought country on verge of collapse. Its an irony he's been kept out.
On the contrary, for once the system prevailed over personalities... Wish if this can hold true for all these corrupt so called democracy champions as well... Their blatant crimes are all ignored so conveniently all in the name of democracy.
Perfect decision. Musharaf is not angel
At last our judges our bold enough to punish military Generals.
it’s a see-saw. This is the turn of the judges. Next time around it will be military courts.
Game over man, game over
What a joke? Same should stand for other corrupt leaders.
Sir should come back to Dubai - let them selectors of electable's enjoy their democracy.
One person from 20 Crore Pakistanis got disqualified!
How much more biased can you get ECP ??????? Hence proved elections are already rigged... All corrupt and convicted politicians have been cleared by ECP and they have disqualified General Musharraf on what basis ??? he is yet to be convicted on any of the case ... This is height of judicial corruption ..... All my prayers and support for General Musharraf.. you are and will remain our leader forever. This horrific judgement should be challenged at the highest level... we cant see these corrupt politician ruining our country anymore ...
Only rejection of papers!!?? what about the crimes he committed?
WOW - Excellent
Keep it up ECP......
Deserves it. :)
@Muneer: Biased and revengeful? Maybe, to the extent that there are others who should also be disqualified.
Illegal? Certainly not. If we don't disqualify him then really there's no point of doing any of this at all. Just let anyone run.
Question. Should this be called a prepoll rigging. With due respect judiciary looks as impartial as it was in Bhutto Case,
Isn't it contempt of court by the ECP to issue a verdict on a matter that is currently sub judice in the supreme court?
In pakistan you need to lie and be corrupt to get get somewhere ,it doen't work to be honest. This election is going the same way as in the past. we will never be able to come out of this drama.
@Asghar: be a man, don't cry for Supreme Court's help!
How is the relationship between Kayani and Musharraf?
Are they on good terms?
Nic job by Ecp
Judicial martial law what else one would call it.
Musharraf should move to Apex Court as there appears to be serious flaws and ambiguity in interpretation of criteria specified for rejection/acceptance of nomination papers leading to many controversies so far. Musharraf case in particular needs to be clarified why is he being denied to contest in three other constituencies if law of the land is same for whole of Pakistan ?
It is mind boggling that the candidature of jamshed dasti has been accepted when he had been disqualified from the highest court the supreme court. Similarly the candidature of Nawaz sharif is also controversial, when he has been named in supreme court attack case and twice his government has been dismissed for corruption.
Waiting for NA-32. Otherwise what is the stance of Supreme court for rejecting others.
Biased,revengeful and illegal decisions.