Musharraf snubs Pakistan Supreme Court

PAKISTAN: Former military ruler Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday snubbed a summons from Pakistan's top court to explain his decision to impose a state of emergency and controversially sack judges two years ago.A 14-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, issued notice to Musharraf to appear in person or through counsel on July 29.

But neither the former head of state, who lost power last year and has been a vocal critic of the current Pakistani administration, nor a lawyer speaking on his behalf attended the session Wednesday, said an AFP reporter.

"Is somebody appearing on behalf of general Musharraf?" asked Chaudhry to a resounding silence in the courtroom.

Malik Qayyum, who was attorney general under Musharraf, was present in court but did not rise. Musharraf is understood to be in Britain.

- ISLAMABAD, Wednesday, AFP