CJP promises security for Musharraf upon return

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Tuesday wondered as to why former military ruler Pervez Musharraf is not returning to Pakistan.

“A contingent of Rangers personnel will greet him [Musharraf] at airport. He will have doctors of his choice to treat him. We will give him travel allowance, even pocket money to live here. He will not be grilled about his assets.”

These are some of the offers the chief justice held out to Musharraf while asking his lawyer to inform what else did his client want from the court to fly back home?

A bench of the apex court, headed by CJP Nisar, was hearing a case with regard to the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).

Advocate Akhtar Shah, who represented the former military ruler, said his client can return to the country only on condition that no restrictions will be placed on his movement inside or outside the country.

CJP Nisar further offered that the court would ensure arrangements Musharraf wanted for his return. He should return to record his statement in the case and then travel wherever he desires, the top adjudicator suggested.

He said the former military chief will be not quizzed about his assets and income.

The lawyer said Pervaiz Musharraf didn’t have any assets in the country, adding that he owns a flat in Dubai whose worth is 5.4 million UAE dirhams. His Islamabad residence Chak Shahzad, whose worth is estimated at Rs43.6 million, is owned by Musharraf’s wife, he added.