Pak SC’s pro-Musharraf decision ‘disappoints’ HRW

A top US-based rights body has termed SC's verdict a set back 'for the prospects of Pakistans return to genuine civilian rule'.

A top US-based rights body has expressed “disappointment” at the Supreme Courts decision to allow General Pervez Musharraf to contest the presidential election as an army chief, terming the verdict a set back “for the prospects of Pakistans return to genuine civilian rule”.

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) is disappointed by the Supreme Courts decision to allow General Pervez Musharraf to contest the Presidential election as an army chief, the New York-based rights organisation said.

The apex courts 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, a release by HRW said.

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General Musharraf remains a coup-maker determined to cling to power come what may, it said, adding that this decision would not resolve the legitimacy crisis facing Musharraf.

The apex court in a split 6-3 verdict, in which presiding judge Justice Rana Bhagwandas himself dissented, threw out a raft of petitions challenging Musharraf holding two offices and his plans to get re-elected while continuing as Army chief.

Lawyers for Pakistan’s Opposition said they would appeal against the ruling. The nominations will be scrutinized on Saturday.

A retired judge who refused to swear allegiance to Musharraf after the coup and a senior member of Benazir Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party are the two other candidates for the crucial elections.

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Musharraf has given a commitment to the apex court that he will doff his uniform if he wins another five-year term in office on October six.