Musharraf faces extended exile in UK: Report

LONDON: Former President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf faces an extended exile, possibly in the UK, after the Supreme Court ruled that the emergency he imposed two years ago was illegal, media report said today.

Musharraf who has reportedly bought a flat in central London was unavailable for his comments. He is reportedly on a luxury cruise at present.

According to a report in 'The Guardian', lawyers danced on the steps of the Supreme Court in Islamabad after a 14-judge bench ruled that Musharraf acted illegally when he suspended the constitution and imposed a six-week period of emergency rule on November 3, 2007.

The court ruling was delivered by chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, who was removed by Musharraf in March 2007 sparking protests which ultimately led to the General's downfall.

The court did not say whether Musharraf should be tried for treason but the trenchant ruling left him legally exposed to a prosecution, the report said.

However, analysts said that was unlikely, at least for now, because any move would have to be initiated by the government, which is keen to avoid confrontation with the powerful military.

The report quoted Talat Masood, a retired general and former Musharraf confidante, saying it was unlikely he would return to Pakistan soon.

"He will stay away and the army will advise him to stay away," he said. "I hear he's on a luxury cruise. I think that might be extended for some time."