The Pakistan government on Monday had to field some tough questions from the Supreme Court about the amendments made in election laws to enable President Pervez Musharraf [Images] to seek a fresh term in office without shedding his uniform.

The apex court began a crucial hearing on a slew of petitions challenging the holding of dual office by Musharraf with the presiding judge Justice Rana Bhagwan Das stating that the case will decide the "destiny of the nation and its people".

The Election Commission on Sunday relaxed the bar on government servants contesting polls to facilitate Musharraf's re-election.

As the nine-member bench began hearing on the main petitions, Justice Javed Iqbal questioned Attorney General Mallik Qayyum about the two electoral amendments by the Election Commission. Iqbal stated that the two amendments were a "significant and drastic development" and should be taken note of by the court.

Qayyum said the bench's verdict will automatically cover the legality of the amendments in the election laws.

The court also turned down a plea by Jamaat-i-Islami and opposition leader Imran Khan that their petitions against Musharraf be heard by a full court, including Chief Justice Iftikar M Chaudhry, who had excused himself from the trial.

While rejecting the petition, Justice Das said some judges had expressed dissent and wanted the full court to be convened.

Qayyum said the chief election commission was reluctant to announce the schedule of the presidential poll as the court had admitted the petitions challenging Musharraf seeking a second term in office in uniform.