Musharraf to remain President?

Monday, November 19, 2007 1:05 PM
The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed five out of six petitions challenging the legality of President Musharraf's re-election. The Court adjourned the hearing till Thursday to hear the lone petition and decide the matter. Attorney General Malik Qayuum says notification of President Musharraf’s next term will be issued after Thursday. In a day of dramatic developments, the judges took exception to the application filed by the main petitioners, Justice (R) Waijhuddin Ahmad and PPP leader Makhood Amin Faheem. The petitioners cast aspersions on the bench which prompted the judges to hit back with threats of contempt proceedings. The petitioner’s council later withdrew their applications. Amin Faheem also withdrew his main petition, while Justice (R) Wahijuddin’s advocate on record refused to withdraw his petition. That petition was later dismissed by the court due to non-prosecution. One of the judges, Justice Faqir Khokar, observed that the elections of the President have been held and he has been elected, so why should he not be allowed to take oath. Attorney General Malik Qayyum submitted before the court that the petitioners were trying to malign the court. When Jusitice Wajihiuddin’s advocate on record said it was the court under PCO, Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar observed that the same was case in Syed Zafar Ali Shah’s case. The President’s council, Sharifudin Pirzada submitted that due to the circumstances in which the petitioners are withdrawing, they should not be permitted to do so. The Court at one point threatened to ruin Amin Faheem’s political future. At least a couple of judges observed that if they include a line in their judgment that Amin Faheem has committed contempt, then he could be disqualified from contesting elections under article 63 (G). Earlier in the day, a seven member bench heard petitions challenging emergency and PCO. One of the petitioners council Irfan Qadir concluded his argument while another Barrister Zafar-ullah started his arguments in which he accused President Mushraff of unleashing terrorism on the constitution. He also said that the proclamation of emergency and PCO was unconstitutional.
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