Bench adjourns hearing

Islamabad: A judgement by the Supreme Court on legal challenges to President Pervez Musharraf's recent election for a new five-year term has been delayed till at least November 12.

An 11-judge Bench of the top court hearing the case said yesterday it would adjourn proceedings scheduled for today for November 12. The head of the Bench cited lengthy arguments by both sides and the marriage of a Bench member's daughter as reasons for the delay.

Musharraf's current term as president is due to expire on November 15. Attorney General Malik Mohammad Qayyum told reporters outside the court that Musharraf would continue to hold the dual offices of president and army chief till a judgement was announced.