'SC ruling will not affect Musharraf'

Attorney General Malik Qayyum says, Pervez Musharraf is qualified to seek re-election in uniform and any ruling by the SC would not have retrospective effect.

President Pervez Musharraf was qualified to seek re-election in uniform and any ruling by the Supreme Court on his candidature in the October six presidential poll would not have retrospective effect, a top government lawyer said on Monday.

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Attorney General Malik Qayyum contended before the 11-member bench of the Supreme Court hearing petitions challenging Musharraf's move to seek re-election without giving up the post of army chief that its judgement would be applicable only in future.

Qayyum said the General was fully qualified to seek re-election and a constitutional amendment allowed him to remain in uniform till November 15.

"General Musharraf was qualified on the dates of filing of nomination papers and scrutiny for his candidature," he said.

He also said the petitions are not maintainable as no violation of any fundamental right is involved in the case.

Musharraf swept the presidential poll that was boycotted by the opposition but he has not been sworn in for a second five-year term as the apex court had earlier said that the result of the election should not be officially notified till it ruled on his candidature.

The beleaguered military ruler had earlier assured the Supreme Court that he if re-elected he will take oath as a civilian. He has subsequently indicated that he will decide on his future course of action after the court gives its verdict, giving rise to speculation that he might impose martial law if the judgement goes against him.

The Supreme Court bench, headed by Justice Javed Iqbal, has said it will give its ruling this week.