Daily Times

LAHORE: Former President Pervez Musharraf’ on Thursday requested the Supreme Court (SC) to extend his deadline to return to Pakistan.

During the hearing at Supreme Court’s (SC) Lahore Registry, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) questioned Deputy Attorney General (DAG) if the former President will be appearing before the court, as he was given a deadline by the SC to return on June 14.

However, Musharraf’s counsel informed the court that the former President will not be returning to Pakistan as off now owing to Eid and his current health condition.

Musharraf’s counsel Qamar Afzal added that the former President intends to return to Pakistan but after some time, thus if the court could extend the deadline for his return.

CJP upon this, withdrew the courts permission for Musharraf’s submission of nomination papers for the upcoming general elections.

SC adjourned the hearing for an indefinite time, stating that the case will be heard upon Musharraf’s return.

Earlier today, CJP Mian Saqib Nisar while heading a four-member bench at the top court’s Lahore Registry on Thursday questioned that will former president Pervez Musharraf appear before the court or not?

While hearing a case filed by Musharraf in 2015 against the rejection of his nomination papers in the 2013 general election, CJP remarked that find out if Musharraf will appear before the court or not.

Citing that the court staff has to leave for Eid-ul-Fitr holidays CJP observed, “we have set the time for the hearing for 2:00 pm and can wait if Musharraf will be appearing.”

Justice Nisar also ordered deputy attorney general to get an update regarding Musharraf’s appearance and submit a reply in the court as soon as possible.

Yesterday, All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) Secretary-General Dr. Amjad had stated that the former president is unlikely to return to the country today.

Amjad cited that Musharraf was facing difficulties in getting a ticket.

Secretary-General furthered Musharraf was trying to take new dates from the court.

However, earlier on Wednesday Amjad had said that the former president’s travel preparations were in the final stage. “We are reviewing the flight schedules,” he added.

Earlier on Wednesday CJP had warned that if Musharraf failed to appear on June 14 till 2 pm, the verdict of his case will be announced in accordance with the law.

He had added that for a person who claims to be a commando should behave like one, and return with bravery.

On June 7, SC ordered Musharraf to appear before the court and also assured that he would not be arrested after coming back.

CJP also remarked that if Musharraf would not appear before the court, the scrutiny of his nomination papers for the upcoming General Election 2018 would not be allowed.