Court clears way for Pakistan’s Musharraf
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - A Supreme Court stacked with judges loyal to President Gen. Pervez Musharraf cleared the way for him to lead as a civilian president, ruling today against a final challenge blocking ratification of his election last month.
The decision, which was widely expected, means that Pakistan’s Election Commission can put a stamp of approval on the vote. Musharraf has said he then would step down as army chief and take the oath as president. Pakistan’s attorney general said Wednesday that such a move could come as early as Saturday.
The case before the court today centered on a claim by candidate Zahoor Mehdi, who was blocked by the Election Commission from competing in the vote. He argued the decision was wrong, but the court said his nomination papers were not valid. Five other cases challenging the election were either thrown out or withdrawn Monday.
It is still not clear whether Musharraf will lift the state of emergency, despite international pressure, including from the United States, his key backer. The Supreme Court today also was considering challenges to emergency rule, and a decision was expected today.
Late Wednesday, Musharraf decreed new amendments to the constitution using powers he said he has under the emergency. One of the amendments states that his decisions cannot be challenged by any court and will be considered “always to have been validly made.”
Also Wednesday, the government freed more jailed political activists, including two of Musharraf’s key opponents.