Musharraf mum on SC verdict, Saudi offers asylum

Former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf has refused to comment on the Supreme Court's verdict declaring his November 3, 2007 actions 'extra-judicial, illegal and unconstitutional'.

Musharraf, who is currently in Italy, said he would comment on the verdict only after he himself read the apex court's judgment, The Daily Times reports.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday declared the November 3, 2007 measures as 'null and void'.

The 14-member bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry said that the sacking of the judges was illegal and unconstitutional and that Article 279 of the Constitution was violated on that day.

During the hearing, Chaudhry said he will not pass a verdict which could trigger chaos in the country.

Musharraf may be heading former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's way as far as taking refuge outside the country is concerned.

Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Pakistan Abdul Aziz Bin Ibrahim said that his country would consider giving political asylum to Musharraf if he asks for it, The Daily Times reports.

Talking to media persons, Ibrahim said both countries shared strong historic ties and all efforts would be made to strengthen them further.

While it is almost certain that Musharraf would not return home in a hurry, it is not clear whether the former general would stay in London, where he has been staying over the past few months, or settle in Saudi Arabia.

Both Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and President Asif Ali Zardari have termed the decision as a 'good omen'.
A statement issued by the Presidency after the apex court's verdict said: "The SC order is a 'triumph for democratic principles'."