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Court Threatens Bhutto Return

Pakistan court to decide if Musharraf can offer Bhutto amnesty

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 12, 2007 8:03 AM CDT

(Newser) – The power-sharing arrangement aimed at stabilizing Pakistan's shaky government has hit yet another snag, the BBC reports. Pakistan's Supreme Court, which has already held up certifying President Pervez Musharraf's re-election win until it rules on challenges, now says it must rule on whether the amnesty granted to Benazir Bhutto on old corruption charges as part of the deal is constitutional.

Iftikhar Chaudhry, the chief justice whom Musharraf tried to disbar in March, told AFP that if his court found the power-sharing deal to be beyond the limits of the constitution then he would have no hesitation to scupper it. Bhutto is expected to arrive in Karachi on Thursday after eight years in exile; the court is expected to rule on the legality of Musharraf's re-election Wednesday, but the Bhutto amnesty could take weeks.

A supporter of Pakistan People's party rides a bicycle in front of a billboard diplaying pictures of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and her father Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Tuesday, Oct. 9,... (Associated Press)

Picture of Pakistan former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and father Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto pasted on a taxi, Tuesday, Oct 9, 2007 in Hyderabad near Karachi, Pakistan. A Pakistani court Tuesday dismissed... (Associated Press)

Billboards of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and her father Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto are displayed to welcome her, Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007 in Karachi, Pakistan. A Pakistani court Tuesday... (Associated Press)

Supporters of Pakistan People's Party hang election posters of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in Hyderabad near Karachi, Pakistan on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007. Ex-premier Benazir Bhutto's party on... (Associated Press)

A Pakistani woman celebrates after unofficial results showed Pakistan's Gen. Pervez Musharraf sweeping Saturday's presidential election in Karachi, Pakistan, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007. Unofficial results... (Associated Press)

Pakistan military ruler President Pervez Musharraf addresses a news conference at the President house in Islamabad, Pakistan on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007. Unofficial results showed Pakistan's Gen. Pervez... (Associated Press)

Supporters of Pakistan's People's Party carry a board which reads "Welcome Benazir," during preparations to receive their leader in Karachi, Pakistan on Tuesday, Oct 9, 2007. A Pakistani court Tuesday... (Associated Press)

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Court Threatens Bhutto Return

Pakistan court to decide if Musharraf can offer Bhutto amnesty

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*But he'll tweak it first to ensure he can't be prosecuted

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Court Threatens Bhutto Return

Pakistan court to decide if Musharraf can offer Bhutto amnesty

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

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MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Musharraf Faces Bumpy Road to Re-Election

Bhutto mounts challenge to second presidential term

New Pakistan Leaders to Seek Talks With Militants

Election victors continue to work for coalition government

Musharraf Set to Restore Constitution*

*But he'll tweak it first to ensure he can't be prosecuted

Musharraf Names Close Ally Interim PM

Bhutto rules out alliance, turns to Sharif; 2 killed in protests

Opposition Will Boycott Musharraf Election

Vow to resign from parliament next week

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Newser By Users

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