Pakistani court demands Musharraf explain emergency rule decision

Jul 22, 2009, 12:42 GMT

   Islamabad - Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a notice to former president Pervez Musharraf to explain why he imposed emergency rule on November 3, 2007 and sacked 60 senior judges.

   The notice was given during the hearing of a challenge to Musharraf's decision to replace the dismissed judges with his favourite justices.

   Musharraf, who now lives in London, is not required to appear in court at the next hearing on July 29 and may instead submit his explanation through his lawyer, Malik Abdul Qayyum, the former attorney general of Musharraf's government.

   The challenge, if upheld by the court, could have very complicated political, constitutional and administrative implications since the ruling would undo many of Musharraf's orders under emergency rule, including the appointment of dozens of judges.

   It could also lead to Musharraf's prosecution if his actions are judged illegal and unconstitutional.

   The United States said it will not intervene to save Musharraf, who was a key ally in the fight against terrorism.

   'Musharraf is history, we will not rescue him,' Pakistani channel Geo television quoted US Special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke as telling journalists in Islamabad.

   Musharraf's case is an internal matter for Pakistan, Holbrooke added, according to Geo.

   The former military strongman dismissed the judges when the Supreme Court was nearing a verdict on his election as president for a second term.

   The vastly unpopular decision was one of the major factors that led to the defeat of Musharraf's political allies in February, 2008 general elections and his eventual resignation from the post six months later to avoid an impeachment by parliament.

   Most of the 60 judges, including the Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, have been reinstated. The bench looking into the legality of Musharraf's November 3 actions comprises 14 of these restored judges.