ET rejects Musharraf's appeal from NA-250

E-Paper | July 21, 2026

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Former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf.—Photo by AFP/File

KARACHI: The election tribunal of the Sindh High Court rejected the appeal submitted by former military ruler Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf against the rejection of his nomination papers in NA-250 constituency of Karachi, news channels reported on Monday.

The All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) chief had submitted an appeal against the rejection of his nomination papers by a Returning Officer of the Election Commission of Pakistan from Karachi, Kasur and Islamabad.

Moreover Karachi's former city Nazim Niamatullah Khan had raised an objection to Musharraf's candidacy from NA-250 over grounds that he had "twice violated the constitution and was ineligible to contest elections."

The appellate election tribunals are yet to issue a verdict over the appeal filed by the APML chief sgainst the rejection of his nomination papers from NA-48 in Islamabad and NA-139 in Kasur.

The election tribunal of the Lahore High Court adjourned its hearing over the appeal filed by the APML chief against the rejection of his nomination papers from Kasur's NA-139 constituency.

Musharraf's nomination papers were accepted by the election commissions RO in Chitral's NA-32 constituency.

APML camp reduced to ashes in Islamabad

An election camp of All Pakistan Muslim league (APML) in Islamabad's G-6 areas was reduced to ashes Sunday night.

A leader of the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) Dr Mohammad Amjad wrote to the Islamabad administration and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) demanding security after the incident.

APML workers alleged that it was unfortunate that only the APML camp was targeted and set on fire.

Dr Amjad, who is a senior leader of APML, is contesting elections from NA-49 and had set up an election camp in G-6 area of Islamabad.

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Tamza

Apr 15, 2013 06:33am

I am no admirer of ex Pres-Gen-Musharraf, but we must give him credit for 'letting' a free press develop in the country. We must NEVER allow a military ruler in the country EVER AGAIN; and I dont think he should be allowed into politics either. Let new blood reign now. Just like there is a lower limit on age to contest elections there also should be an upper limit of age and-or years in politics and government service. Musharraf is done. Nawaz Sharif is done. Many of the PPP are done.

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Mohammad Saleem

Apr 15, 2013 06:52am

What Musharraf has sown, he's reaping now.

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M J Syed

Apr 15, 2013 07:06am

Regardless of what the achieved or not, all the general who imposed Martial Law in Pakistan were actually guilty of treason. Unfortunately no one has even been accused. It will be a giant step for Pakistan's democracy to put Gen. Musharaf on proper trial for this act. He may or may not get punished. During the course of trial, however, many aspects of this act will be better understood and lots of precedents will be set. I am sure that will prevent any further interventions by the armed forces. Do we have the guts to do it? Will our present military establishment allow it?

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Abid

Apr 15, 2013 07:11am

It is never happened in the history of world that any head of the state returned voluntary to his native country to face the challenges. Give credit to President Musharraf to came back to Pakistan voluntary and facing the court without any fear, because he is honest and he knows and world knows, that all these charges have no credibility and all are politically motivated.There were 3 Military governments ruled in the past and they all were validated by Supreme court of that time. So is Musharraf tenure was validated by SC. So why the treason charges are only on Musharraf? It should apply on all the people who were validating and working under the Military governments of the past and the present. Musharraf have all the rights to take part in elections, and hopefully lead the country to prosperity like he did in the past.

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Kashmiri

Apr 15, 2013 07:30am

how much he is honest, time is near.

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Shehzad

Apr 15, 2013 07:40am

Please Mr. Abid reconsider your above comment about Musharraf if you love your country a little bit. You have forgotten the ills he has inflicted upon this country. Please forgive this country you people. Enough said.

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sanjran

Apr 15, 2013 08:01am

He is not to be given any place in the politics. And this is not to be questioned as we have seen and seeing everything with our naked eyes. Balochistan is still burning in the fire lit by rtd General Musharraf. He is accused and accused are to be charged accordingly in a democratic country if we say pakistan is a democratic state.

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Shafiq Khan

Apr 15, 2013 08:30am

I have never seen totally free press in Pakistan. Yes, some aspects are, but the Government mouth-piece the Pakistan television has never been free of government control.It is the lowest quality of TV and the creative aspects are missing altogether. The rich dudes fund it for their own ends. When the PTV will have a politically free and above board it will be said that media is free ,not before that.

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akhter husain

Apr 15, 2013 08:33am

It is good to see that things are seen to be moving towards its logical conclusion as regard article 6 of the constitution.We may wait and see if the powers of emergency remains with the president and or parliament as per constitution ,or the court revokes this power and takes it over from the parliament.My guess could be as good or bad as any one else's.

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Farhan

Apr 15, 2013 08:47am

He should be allowed to run. Legally there is no conviction against him and he obviously has a constituency.

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Khurram

Apr 15, 2013 09:00am

Mr. kashmiri and Shehzad, He is the man who took stand against Akbar Bugti's atrocoties in his area, Dera Bugti, press and media were not allowed in Dera Bugti and things which he did with Kulper bugtis cannot be written here. Akbar Bugti died same he killed thousands of Kulpers. Second tell me one political party who openly says that TTP is right now, then why blaming only Musharraf just becouse he is not hypocrates like others. Nawaz Sharif, who coulnt bear US pressure on Kargil, you think has guts to stand off at the time of Afghan War ????

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Khalid

Apr 15, 2013 09:05am

Law with a fair trial should take its course in Musharraf's case regardless who he was and who he is now ! The shamful thing is that he has always been in denial of accepting to give permission for US drone attacks and he is admitting now. So far we have seen the opportunits only since independence of Pakistan. YaAllah provide an honest man to Pakistan. We are sick and tired of seeing the old corrupt people again and again.

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ali ahmed

Apr 15, 2013 09:15am

not only he..CJ and other judges also violated the consitituion.by valdating the act of 1999

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Michael Malcolm

Apr 15, 2013 09:17am

Let me correct you here that all those who also invited Marshall Law and abetted, sanctioned and encouraged should also be brought to trial including the judges. It was never a one mans Martial Law ever, always and shamelessly enough the public supported it every time it took place with a sigh of relief. To add insult to injury, the just so called Democratic Government has in the eyes of 180 million SUNK the country and filled their pockets are worst than any Military Rulers. If any one do not agree must be having either their pockets filled too or have enough to fill their stomach.Ask the poor they will tell you the true story. I think Musharraf should issue a white paper to show his achievement and those of the last government. The truth shall prevail. Mushrraf will NEVER be convicted in any of the charges now framed on him. The law will be just and reject all charges. People who are sick in their heads and have no conscience say what they are asked to say by people who do not wish to see Mushrraf in power or atleast win many votes against them.

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mohd Taj

Apr 15, 2013 09:22am

agreed.

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Aliya

Apr 15, 2013 09:26am

The judges are clearly biased. If the Governemnt does not want to intervene, why they are adamant

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Michael Malcolm

Apr 15, 2013 09:27am

Fully agree.Musharraf did a blunder to forget and forgive and let those come back under NRO and now with articles 62 & 63 these are the same culprits hiding behind the two articles but having the EC machinery bribed to the tooth. They call themselves honest Democratic Politician. They will be answerable to Allah whose wrath will be on them for snatching the poor man's bread and butter.

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mohd Taj

Apr 15, 2013 09:32am

The people who hate Musharraf play in to the hands of peoples who want to minimize pakistan. sad to see the people of Pakistan are still playing old politics in the 21st century.

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Ali

Apr 15, 2013 09:39am

I don

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Jamal

Apr 15, 2013 09:51am

He has done good in the first three years after that he involved in PML-Q politics through he has done wrong decision like Jama hafsa etc.

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jan

Apr 15, 2013 09:55am

A hero divided by zero is zero (Hero batta zero is zero)

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Tariq Rahman

Apr 15, 2013 10:05am

It is cool these days to find fault against Musharraf but the poor and middle class of this country who have been only suffering from the enormous corruption both by the federal government and Punjab politicians are roaming scot free. See the instances of many PPP as well as N league politicians including their top leaders. They have ruined the whole system and are involved in huge scams, but no one has been ever touched. Where is the Supreme Court and why they cannot take action (suo moto) against these legislators? Even those who are sending their comments here conveniently forget to mention anything against their leaders. Media although free but (some anchors) are prejudiced as they are being heavily fed by certain quarters as we all know. If you only take the statistics of our economy in the last 15-20 years, you can see how gravely it was run by the so called politicians and how well it was during the Musharraf's era. Don't care what anyone says! I wish a third option comes out in this election that might be able to pull this country out of this rot. Bhutto

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Anwar Qureshi

Apr 15, 2013 10:07am

Even after 11May election IF these are held would not provide us an honest LEADER; indirectly he would be agent of Uncle Sam and UK and Dubai where they have their business and wealth deposited in banks. All corrupt politicians of ex-parliaments have been cleared by Courts to contest election. They are demanding security and vehicles; but they should learn to live like other common people. Even 40% reduction in security personnel for Nawaz and Shahbaz is not enough. Just give them 6 or at the most 10 people and they should pay for their salaries and petrol for vehicles. Let them learn to die like common people in terrorists attacks; let them face the reality we are all facing. Even elections should be postponed and let the CT arrangement continue for next 3-5 years and these corrupt politicians should find some other jobs to survive.

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MJ Syed

Apr 15, 2013 10:13am

In an ideal world, yes. The list of culprits is very long indeed. Utopia can only be an aspiration. The best democracies in the world function with only a certain percentage of purity. The fact is that basic difference between us and the best functioning democracies is the percentage of good against the bad. Pakistan is at a very low point. Unacceptable low point. Any positive, doable corrective measure will help. Historically we are at a juncture where the opportune moment is within grasp. This moment should be seized and a giant step towards better democracy taken.

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MJ Syed

Apr 15, 2013 10:27am

Democracy is not religion. It, however, gives you and I a chance to have a say in decisions which impact our lives. Authoritarian developments are not sustainable. Russia is a major example of that. Pakistan is also an example. When we make a choice and develop things around us ourselves, we also take care of those things. Russian infrastructure and massive production empire of sixties and seventies went to a complete waste. It will take many more decades for Russia to mature. If we had allowed repeated elections from 1956, we would a mature and stable society by now. It is not a question being against Musharaf. General have the power. That should be used for protection of the country. Using it to take over the country is abuse. That should be punishable.

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Tariq

Apr 15, 2013 10:47am

Mushraf is reaping what he has sown during his tenure. People did not forget tha Lal Masjid, Bugti murder, two times he sabotage the constitution of Pakistan. As per him his military record by not good at all but still he was promoted to Chief of staff. He was the one who has allowed American CIA to operate drone from Shamsi Air Base to kill the innocient Pakistani. Still his greet for power has not fade away. By all standared he now way less then Hussani Mubarak of Egypt. The very same fate he is going to met. Inshalla

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Apr 15, 2013 11:03am

What I don't understand is how can a candidates nomination papers be accepted from one constituency and not the other. If the reason is the violation of the constitution, that reason also holds valid for the Chitral as well and the papers should be rejected from there. If the reason for accepting the paper in Chitral are that Musharraf has not been convicted for those acts, then that reason should hold valid in Karachi as well.

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Apr 15, 2013 11:16am

By the way I was and am a very big fan of Musharraf but I am skeptical about him participating in the elections. Based on his candidness and openness, he can be a good whip in the parliament but I worry that his presence can create a greater political distraction rather than a focus on the issues facing the nation.

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Rabeaa farhat Saleem

Apr 15, 2013 11:39am

and so is Ik

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Waseem

Apr 15, 2013 11:42am

Great leader, will succeed with the grace of God.

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Mushtaq Ahmad

Apr 15, 2013 11:45am

Musharaf should be given fair chance to contest election if he qulifies to stand

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Rafay

Apr 15, 2013 11:48am

The entire process of scrutiny by ECP is nothing but a joke. All the rules and regulations are for candidates like Musharraf whereas all the corrupt defaulters back to the business for the next term. How insane is that ?

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kamran

Apr 15, 2013 11:48am

Mr. Khalid, you seem to only read jang or geo news, if u see, his videos in last 3 years, he has been saying exactly same thing, that we only gave permission for 2-4 drones, that too with our instructions, i.e instructions of pak army..unfortunately majority in pakistan is like you..you have to learn to judge the contexts in which things are said and done.

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Chanpeer

Apr 15, 2013 12:25pm

Where is justice ? If Nawaz Sharrif and Raja Pervez are allowed to contest, why not Musharraf? Points to ponder: Is there already pre-poll rigging going on? Musharraf did commit some mistakes but it is a fact that Musharraf is the only person who did little bit good for the nation once in power and now being subject to sabbotage.... well done people of Pakistan. Your future is bright!

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hyderphd74

Apr 15, 2013 12:49pm

Are judges biased or huge amounts of money have changed hands?

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Khan

Apr 15, 2013 01:28pm

All corrupts are being allowed and Musharraf has built Pakistan like no one is being kept away from taking part in election. Shame on you.....

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Bhatty

Apr 15, 2013 02:16pm

Mr. Kamran, it is not a matter of 2 - 4 drone attack. It is a matter of principle allowing any foreign force to violate the sovereignty of country is itself a crime against the nation. . And remember too that he surrendered completely after one telephone call from the white house, although he claims to be commando soldier. Does this mean that Pakistani commandos are really coward and surrender easily.

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ali ahmed

Apr 15, 2013 02:23pm

how can Supreme Court take action against the corrupt politician...when the son of chief jusdice son involved in massive corruption

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FJ Siddiqui

Apr 15, 2013 02:28pm

It is clear that now filtering out people with tarnished image is in hands of public. Vote and vote for the best!

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Assad

Apr 15, 2013 02:32pm

Is there anything more comical than this ECP of ours? In one place, Musharraf has the green light, in others he is being victimized due to local politics and influences of other parties.

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Waqar

Apr 15, 2013 02:42pm

Quick lesson on maths, anything divided by zero is infinity

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Masood hussain

Apr 15, 2013 03:33pm

Election Tribunals have mind set of their own.

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Quail

Apr 15, 2013 04:38pm

Anything divided by zero is infinity....

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Habib Rahman

Apr 15, 2013 06:18pm

It make me sad people write comments with no knowledge , they even cannot read the past achievements of the leaders on yahoo or google.The only time we made some progress when the the country was run by military led govts that contributed a very solid growth of 6.8% by Ayube khan, 6.5% by Zia and 7% GDP growth, the highest in the history of Pakistan with low inflation of 6.6%, low deficit of 4.3% and FDI of 5.4B$ (NAUMAN) as compared to only 500 million dollars by this ppp govt. MUSHARRAFgot rid of IMF and 62 rupees to a dollars as compared to 100 rupees to a dollars now.The GDP growth by Zardari govt (2008-2013) is only 2.5%the period between 1988-1999, in which BB and Nawaz were elected twice was only under 4%and was known as the'' Lost period ''by economists, the growth was only 4.9% by Z.A.bhutto govt (1972-1977) but when he was removed the the growth had plummeted to 2.5% with social and political turmoil and the 4th 5year plan was abandoned.The growth between 1947-1958 was on average 3.1%and the first 5years plan was abandoned for lack of funds.When the ppp govt. was elected in 2008, GUARDIAN wrote the ''the people of Pakistan are suffering from anmesia, they have voted in people who have long history of corruption and even went to jail for. Pakistan,s military is the most efficient organisation in that part of the world''.one wonders how a british journalist thousand miles know so much about our back yard what million Pakistanis did not get it yet.GDP growth over 5% is required to generate jobs and prosperity as population is on the rise.

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Nasr

Apr 15, 2013 06:23pm

Our country Pakistan! Is our motherland heading again towards an unjust election

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Fazal

Apr 15, 2013 07:56pm

i feel sorry on him when i see any disrespectful action toward him, he deserve respect and honor. i don't understand why he came to Pakistan and put him in danger. He should know that we are faithful to one as long as he/she is in power.He did more good thing then bad, he at least delivered .i agreed through NRO all corrupt politician came to Pakistan but the point is why people voted for those politician.

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Imtiaz Faruqui

Apr 15, 2013 08:04pm

If so many BAD ,politicians are allowed for election, why not Musharraf , if he was bad , give him a chance also. Have a heart.

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Beg

Apr 15, 2013 08:10pm

Running country affairs is not equal to living in an idealistic world rather it is a real world where pragmatic measures work and in retrospect musharraf did the best for Pakistan and to date not a single politician have an alternative solution other than what musharraf did back then so Mr bhatty don't talk rubbish idealism which will bhatta bitha day pakistan ka

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Ahmed

Apr 16, 2013 08:28am

You deserve this Mr NRO.

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Fahad

Apr 16, 2013 08:34am

He has already been given so many chances...with and without uniform.

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Ahmed

Apr 16, 2013 08:35am

Agreed,

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Zahid

Apr 16, 2013 09:51am

I do agree that Musharraf should get a fair chance. Atleast he is a patriot and a great spokesperson who knows how to handle tricky Q. I personally believe that the penalties for refusing/rejecting to participate in politics by honest and daring people, is that we end up being ruled by INFERIORS & CORRUPT people. Last Government should be a ready reference for us.

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hyderphd74

Apr 16, 2013 09:39pm

Why Musharraf is denied contesting is simply because the last five years and also several times before we have been governed by such corrupt politicians we have become used to it. We can not stand a fair and honest government. Judiciary, as well, wants a corrupt government so it can go hand-in-hand with it and do all the mischief it wants. A fair and honest government is liable to kick the Choudhries in the butt and out they would go !

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