ISLAMABAD: Former military ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf is likely to face a challenging situation after March when his diplomatic passport is due to expire, Dawn reported. As per reports, the government does not appear keen to renew Musharraf’s passport.
It is relevant to mention here that the former president has been declared a ‘proclaimed offender’ in a number of cases including the treason case, the Benazir Bhutto murder case, Lal Masjid operation case and the matter pertaining to judges’ detention.
As per immigration rules, most countries allow entry into the country to passport holders whose passports have a validity of at least six months from the date of entry, even if they have hold a valid visa.
Reports confirmed that Musharraf who travelled to the United Kingdom last week was informed by the Pakistan consulate that his request for issuance of new passport would require prior approval from Islamabad.
Dr Mohammad Amjad, the secretary general of Mr Musharraf’s All-Pakistan Muslim League (APML) who is currently in London confirmed that the party chief had faced difficulties while embarking on his visit to the UK because of the condition of passport validity of six-month.
He added that the Pakistan consulate rejected Musharraf’s application for passport renewal and also declined to affix a validity stamp on it.
Reports confirmed that the Pakistan consulate in Dubai has sent a request to the Foreign Office (FO), seeking approval for renewal of Musharraf’s passport. The FO has asked for the interior ministry’s response to the request.
Reports also confirmed that since Musharraf’s case is a high-profile political case, the government may delay the process of renewal of his passport.
