The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday ruled that President General Pervez Musharraf is allowed to contest the forthcoming presidential elections in uniform by dismissing petitions against his dual offices. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)
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    ISLAMABAD, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday ruled that President General Pervez Musharraf is allowed to contest the forthcoming presidential elections in uniform by dismissing petitions against his dual offices, a local TV channel DAWN NEWS reported.

    A nine-member bench of the Supreme Court dismissed petitions against Musharraf's dual offices by a 6 to 3 verdict in Musharraf's favor, according to the DAWN NEWS report.

    Some opposition party activists gathered around the Supreme Court, chanting anti-Musharraf slogans.

    Some lawyers and opposition party leaders earlier filed their petitions in the Supreme Court, alleging that it was unconstitutional for Musharraf to retain the position of Army Chief while serving as President of the country.

    The nomination papers of Musharraf who is seeking another five-year term as President were filed on Thursday with the Election Commission (EC). The EC is scheduled to scrutinize the nomination papers for presidential elections on Saturday when the lawyers community besiege the election commission premises.

    Secretary General of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Q Mushahid Hussain said Musharraf enjoyed support of the required members in the parliament and provincial assemblies to win another five-year term.

    The presidential elections will be held on Oct. 6.

Pakistani court orders release of opposition members

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz (C) speaks during a news conference at the Election Commission after submitting the nomination papers on behalf of President Pervez Musharraf in Islamabad Sept. 27, 2007. Pakistan's President General Pervez Musharraf, registered on Thursday to run in an Oct. 6 presidential election as the Supreme Court prepared to rule on whether his bid for power is legal. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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    ISLAMABAD, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's Supreme Court Thursday ordered the release of all political leaders and activists, who were recently detained by authorities to foil their attempt to rally against President General Pervez Musharraf's bid to contest for another five-year term.

    General Musharraf's term as Pakistani president will expire on Nov. 15 and he is set to contest the election for next five-year president due on Oct. 6, which sparked protests from some opposition groups.

    Nomination papers of Musharraf was submitted to the Election Commission (EC) on Thursday. 

Pak election commission: Nomination papers of 43 candidates filed for presidential elections

    ISLAMABAD, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- A total of 43 candidates to the office of the President filed nomination papers on Thursday, the Election Commission (EC) said.

    Nomination papers were filed with the returning officer/presiding officer at Islamabad, the federal capital and with each of the presiding officers at Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar, three provincial capital cities, according to an EC statement.

Pakistani opposition parties to quit assemblies on Sept. 29

    ISLAMABAD, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's opposition Thursday announced their members in the national and provincial assemblies will resign on Sept. 29, the day when the Election Commission will scrutinize nomination papers of President Pervez Musharraf.

Pak Election Commission wraps up filing of nominations papers

    ISLAMABAD, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- The filing of nomination papers for the forthcoming presidential elections of Pakistan came to an end on Thursday.