LONDON, Sept 28: The Human Rights Watch is disappointed by the decision of the Supreme Court of Pakistan allowing Gen Pervez Musharraf’s bid to contest the presidential election while remaining army chief.

In a statement issued here on Friday, the HRW said that the decision of the Supreme Court bode ill for the independence of the judiciary and for prospects for Pakistan’s return to genuine civilian rule through free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections.

It said Gen Musharraf remained a coup-maker who was determined to cling to power come what may, and added: “This decision will not resolve the serious crisis of legitimacy Musharraf faces and will exacerbate the political crisis in Pakistan.”