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?".
