Pakistan Files Criminal Case Against Musharraf

Pakistani police have registered a criminal case against former President Pervez Musharraf for alleged abuse of authority and for keeping top judges and their families under illegal detention.

The charge could lead to the arrest of the former military ruler if he returns to Pakistan, raising the possibility that Mr. Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan from 1999 until 2008, may end up spending years in exile. The case was registered by Islamabad police Tuesday on a court order.

"He can be arrested after police have investigated the charge," said Iqbal Haider, a former law minister. Mr. Musharraf is currently living in London.

However, Mohammed Ali Saif, an attorney for Mr. Musharraf, said the former president cannot be arrested or prosecuted on such charges. "The case does not have any legal basis," he told a Pakistani television channel. More