Musharraf may escape Supreme Court's trial : Think-tank

Lahore, July 29 (ANI): Former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf may escape the clutches of the Supreme Court in a case that questions the legality of his decision to impose an emergency in the country on November 3, 2007, as the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) government is not interested in following-up on it, while the Army has decided to stay away from the case.

According to Eurasia, a political risk research and consulting company, it is highly unlikely that the Supreme Court would go forward with the case.

According to sources the military would not want its leadership to be a part of the investigation that could humiliate the Armed Forces.

The think-tank believes that General Kayani would intervene if the apex court tries to target Musharraf.

If the Supreme Court declares the emergency as 'unconstitutional', it would add to the government's troubles. It would also raise questions over post-emergency rulings by Supreme Court judges which include the validation of the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).

The NRO provides immunity against prosecution to several PPP politicians, including President Asif Ali Zardari, The Daily Times reports.

The think-tank opines that even if Musharraf escapes trial, his return to politics is unlikely, as 'he is highly unpopular and lacks a political constituency beyond the military.' (ANI)