Human Rights Watch disappointed with SC verdict on Musharraf

Karachi News.Net
Saturday 29th September, 2007 (ANI)

Lahore, Sep 29 : Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed its disappointment over the Pakistan Supreme Court's decision to allow President General Pervez Musharraf to contest the presidential election in uniform.

"The apex court's decision bodes ill for the independence of the judiciary and for the prospects of Pakistan's return to genuine civilian rule through free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections," said a release of the HRW.

"This decision would not resolve the legitimacy crisis that the Musharraf is facing," it added.

Musharraf remains a coup-maker determined to be in power in any circumstances, the Daily Times reported.

Musharraf, 64, has promised to quit his military role by November 15 if he is re-elected. But he had not ruled out dissolving Parliament or even imposing martial law if the court blocks his candidature.

According to media reports, six of the nine judges of the Supreme Court gave a favourable verdict for the President, while the other three judges, Justice Rana Bhagwandas, Justice Sardar Muhammad Raza Khan and Justice Shakirullah Jan differed.

The nine-member larger Bench hearing the identical constitutional petitions comprised of Justice Das, Justice Javed Iqbal, Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar, Justice Khan, Justice Muhammad Nawaz Abbasi, Justice Faqir Muhammad Khokar, Justice Falak Sher, Justice Jan and Justice M Javed Buttar.

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