LAHORE: The Supreme Court on Monday ordered the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to unblock the national identity card (NIC) and passport of former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf.
During the hearing of the treason case against Musharraf, NADRA Chairperson Usman Mubeen told the court that the former president could not return to Pakistan as his NIC was blocked.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar then issued orders to NADRA to unblock Musharraf’s NIC, observing that his return could be hindered by the move. The chief justice remarked that Musharraf should come back and face the charges filed against him. The apex court also ordered the constitution of a tribunal within two days for Musharraf’s trial.
Musharraf should not be arrested from airport as we have given him protection, the chief justice remarked. The top judge further asked former military higher official to return and face all the cases against him.
Earlier, Musharraf conditioned his return with guarantee of justice from courts, saying that he was deprived of passport [after cancellation of computerized national identity court on orders of special court]. He stressed on letting him practicing politics in Pakistan without any fear.
NADRA had blocked his CNIC in light of the orders of the special court hearing treason case against him. On Thursday, SC had summoned former military ruler General (retd) Pervez Musharraf on June 13. INP