Non-appearance before court: SC withdraws order allowing Musharraf to submit papers

The Supreme Court of Pakistan Thursday withdrew its interim order allowing General Pervez Musharraf (retd) to submit his nomination papers for upcoming general elections after he failed to appear before the court. During the proceedings, the Chief Justice asked Musharraf's counsel that whether or not the petitioner will appear in person and he replied in affirmative.
The counsel said: "I personally called him today at 11:00 am and asked him about his return. He told me that although he wants to come back but he could not travel due to Eid and the present circumstances. He asked me to request the court for more time," the counsel pleaded on behalf of Musharraf. The CJP said: "We withdraw our interim order allowing him to file nomination papers". The counsel failed to give specific date for his return when he was asked about his client's arrival. The court adjourned the hearing for indefinite period and observed that the case would be fixed again after applicant would approach the court for hearing.
The CJP had made it clear on Wednesday that the decision about eligibility of Pervez Musharraf to contest election would be taken in his absentia if he did not appear before the court by 2 pm on Thursday. Musharraf is facing a number of cases including the treason and murder cases of Benazir Bhutto and Nawab Akbar Bhugti. He had left Pakistan in March 2016 when a three years travel ban slapped on him was lifted.