Daily Times

LAHORE: The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday gave a deadline to former President Pervez Musharraf to return to Pakistan by June 14.

Earlier on June 7 the SC had summoned the former President to appear before the court on June 13 with an assurance of non-arrest upon his arrival. Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) had guaranteed former president that an order barring the authorities of Musharraf’s arrest will be issued.

CJP Nisar while hearing Musharraf’s lifetime disqualification petition review case at SC’s Lahore Registry said that Musharraf should return by 2pm on June 14, otherwise the verdict will be announced in compliance with the law if he fails to appear before the court on its directive.

Apex Judge observed that the court was not bound to comply with the conditions set by the former military chief.

He added, “Musharraf was assured he would get protection but we are not bound to issue a written assurance to him.”

CJP Nisar during the hearing remarked that Musharraf should return if he claims to be a commando rather than just feeding words of his return like politicians do.

He added, that if the former president fails to return, the scrutiny of his nomination papers for the general election 2018 will not be allowed.

Nisar questioned, “What does Musharraf need protection from and what is he so afraid of”, adding that how was it possible for a commando to be afraid.

Earlier, SC had ordered NADRA to unblock Musharraf’s National Identity Card (NIC) along with passport so that he had no obstacles in his return. On Tuesday, CJP had remarked that the SC had held its side of the bargain by unblocking Musharraf’s NIC now his return was solely upto his bravery to return and face the treason charges against him.