Pak SC terms emergency imposed by Musharraf as illegal, unconstitutional

Islamabad, July 31 (ANI): Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday declared the November 3 measures adopted by former President Pervez Musharraf as extra-judicial, illegal and unconstitutional.

A 14-member larger bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry heard the constitutional petitions regarding PCO judges, appointments of judges of higher judiciary and November 3, 2007 steps.

The verdict said that sacking of the judges was illegal and unconstitutional. Article 279 of the Constitution was violated on November 3, 2007, it said.

The Supreme Court termed the steps taken on November 3, 2007 as null and void, The News reported.

The apex court completed the hearing of the constitutional petitions regarding November 3 measures and the appointments of judges of higher judiciary on Friday; the verdict was held back to be announced at 3pm after Friday prayers.

On the occasion, the courtroom was overcrowded to hear the historic verdict. The national and foreign media personnel are turned up to the SC premises to cover the incident. A large of number of lawyers is present at Courtroom 1.

Earlier during the hearing today, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry said he will not pass such a verdict as will trigger chaos in the country.

While giving arguments at the court, the Attorney General said the verdict should be such that it does not harm the system; thereupon, the CJ queried him about the 'system' and that the president, premier, parliament and provincial assemblies are the only constituents of the system. (ANI)