Objections on plea against Mush over-ruled

Islamabad, Aug 29: In what is seen as another blow to the embattled Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, the Supreme Court today over-ruled objections on a petition challenging his continuation as Chief of the Army Staff and listed it for regular hearing.

The petition had been filed by Jamaat-e-Islami chief Qazi Hussain Ahmad, who contended that Gen Musharraf ceased to be the the Chief of Army Staff, having completed his three-year term in 2001 and on his superannuation in 2003.

The Registrar of the Supreme Court had rejected the petition on the ground that the petitioner had no locus standi and that it was a multifarious petition.

However, a three-member bench, headed by Justice Javed Iqbal, today observed that the objections raised by the Registrar's office were devoid of merit and ruled that the petition be listed for regular hearing.

The petitioner has challenged Gen Musharraf holding dual position. It asks the Supreme Court to strike down the law known as the President to Hold Another Office Act 2004.

UNI