Musharraf refused bail over Bhutto assassination

It was the latest setback for Musharraf, who returned to Pakistan last month from four years in self-imposed exile to make a political comeback but is currently under house arrest in connection with a different case. Musharraf returned to run in the parliamentary election scheduled for May 11, but was disqualified because of his actions while in power and is spending most of his time battling legal cases.

He seized power in a military coup in 1999 when he was army chief. He was serving as president when Ms Bhutto was killed in a gun and bomb attack in December 2007, shortly after she returned from exile to contest the elections.

Musharraf blamed the Pakistani Taliban for her slaying, but government investigators later said there was evidence of his involvement. A UN report faulted Musharraf’s government for failing to provide Ms Bhutto with adequate security. Musharraf has denied the allegations against him.

The former military ruler had arranged a pre-arrest bail in the Bhutto case and several others before returning to Pakistan, meaning he could not be immediately arrested on arrival.

Yesterday the Islamabad High Court rejected Musharraf’s bail after his lawyer failed to appear to argue for an extension in the Bhutto case, said government prosecutor Zulfikar Chaudhry. Musharraf could now be arrested and tried in connection with the Bhutto case as well, said Chaudhry.

Musharraf was placed under house arrest over the weekend in connection with a case involving his decision to fire senior judges, including the chief justice of the Supreme Court, while in power.

His arrest followed a dramatic escape from court in which he fled in a speeding vehicle to avoid detention. He was eventually placed under arrest at his heavily guarded house on the outskirts of Islamabad.