Former Pakistan President Musharraf decision ruled illegal

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Pakistan's Supreme Court ruled on Friday that former president Pervez Musharraf violated the constitution when he imposed emergency rule two years ago and all actions taken by him then were illegal. Musharraf's legal aide said the former president will fight a legal battle should he be charged in courts.

Cheering for what they called a long overdue verdict, the pro-judiciary lawyers said the verdict is a triumph of democratic principles.

Ikram Chaudhry, senior lawyer, said, "Today, at long last, the steps taken by Pervez Musharraf on November 3rd have been declared illegal and unconstitutional, and a strong foundation has been laid for the rights of the citizens and the accountability process which has been weak in Pakistan."

A spokesman for President Asif Ali Zardari believed the decision is a stinging negation of the rule of Musharraf.

Friday's judgement was delivered by a panel of 14 judges.

As decisive as they may be, the judges did not specify details of the judgement like if or how the former president should be punished.

During the hearing, a lawyer asked the panel to launch a treason case against Musharraf, but the panel said the Supreme Court did not have the authority to do so.