No surprises here but ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif is not happy that the Supreme Court has 'conditionally allowed' former president General (r) Pervez Musharraf to contest the upcoming polls.

"How could the chief justice extend such an offer to someone accused of high treason?" — Nawaz Sharif

But what's the condition? Well, the Supreme Court says Musharraf may file his nomination papers to contest elections on the condition that he will appear in person before the court on June 13 in Lahore.

It'll be interesting to see the public's response to Musharraf's return (remember his last 'return' and the poor turnout?); he hasn't been to Pakistan since December 2016, when he left to seek 'medical treatment' in Dubai.

Quick background: Musharraf was charged with high treason in December 2013 and later indicted. The trial remained suspended after a special court in November 2014 ordered a reinvestigation to identify any abettors in the imposition of emergency in November 2007. In addition to the treason trial, Musharraf is facing a number of criminal cases.

At the moment, Mush critics are wondering how an absconder on trial for treason can possibly contest election. But supporters remain loyal and ask: "Why not Musharraf?".

Opinion

Editorial

Budget presser
Updated 14 Jun, 2026

Budget presser

If the FBR falters, the government will find itself in hot water sooner rather than later.
Muharram precautions
14 Jun, 2026

Muharram precautions

WITH Muharram due to start next week, the authorities have already begun annual exercises to ensure that the ...
Blood bequests
14 Jun, 2026

Blood bequests

WORLD Blood Donor Day offers a moment of “gratitude, advocacy and renewed commitment” for thalassaemia patients...
Sustainable path?
Updated 13 Jun, 2026

Sustainable path?

The FY27 budget is the first clear signal that the government is ready to transition from stabilisation to growth.
Prioritising education
13 Jun, 2026

Prioritising education

THOUGH the improvement in the country’s literacy rate may be slight, as highlighted by the Economic Survey, it ...
Poverty’s rise
13 Jun, 2026

Poverty’s rise

AS attention turns to the government’s plans for the coming fiscal year, one set of figures deserves particular...