During the hearing of the case related to the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) passed by former president Gen (retd) Perves Musharraf in 20017, the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Tuesday inquired why the former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf was not returning to Pakistan.
During proceedings, Chief Justice Nisar remarked that Musharraf had left the country making the excuse of back pain and has not returned yet.
The former president’s counsel, Akhtar Shah, said, “Musharraf can return if restrictions are not imposed on his travel.”
To this, the chief justice remarked, “His name has not been removed from the Exit Control List.”
CJP also assured the Musharraf's security. “Even if he asks for the security given to a brigade, we will provide it,” he said.
“Whichever security he asks for will be provided to him and he can get his treatment done from a doctor of his choice whether it is at CombinedMilitary Hospital or Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology in Rawalpindi,” Justice Nisar added.
“Musharraf should come and record his statement and then he is free to roam around wherever he pleases,” CJP further added.
The top court asked the former president counsel to informed the court when he will come back, to this Akhtar Shah responded, “Musharraf is not a coward and will return if his travel is not banned.” The former president's counsel also submitted an affidavit in court on his behalf.
Justice Nisar then stated, "There are no different laws for Musharraf. Reply within a week whether he will be returning to the country or not."
Assets details owned by Musharraf were also presented in the apex court. According to details, the former president does not own any assets in Pakistan. The Chak Shahzad property is owned by Musharraf's wife, while he owns a flat worth 5.4 million dirhams in Dubai.
The court then adjourned the hearing of the case for one week.
