The Supreme Court on Monday directed the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) to unblock computerized national identity card (CNIC) of former president retired General Perez Musharraf enabling him to return the country. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar passed the order on a verbal request of Chairman Nadra Usman Mobin.
The CJP observed that Musharraf should not have any excuse for not returning to the country and to face the cases against him. He observed that the court had already assured Musharraf of protection from the airport to the court. The Nadra chief stated that a previous direction by the court for the return of Musharraf could not be implemented due to blocking of his identity card.
When asked by the court, he said the process for blocking the CNIC of Musharraf was already in progress when the apex court asked him to return to the country and face the law. "If Musharraf is still a citizen of Pakistan, let him come," the chief justice told the Nadra's chairman and allowed him to restore the CNIC and passport of Musharraf.
The chief justice also expressed concern over delay in reconstitution of a special trial court seized with the treason trial of Musharraf and directed the federal government to notify the special court within two days. In March this year, one of the members of a three-judge special trial court had rescued himself from the treason trial after counsel for Musharraf raised an objection. The CJP on June 8 had conditionally allowed Musharraf to file his nomination papers to contest July 25 general election directing him to appear before the court on June 13.
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