Islamabad: Pakistan's Supreme Court has admitted a petition seeking nullification of the Bill, which permits President Pervez Musharraf to continue as the Chief of Army beyond this year on the ground that it is "violative" of the Constitution.

The petitioner, Shahid Orakzai, alleged that an attempt had been made through the Bill to distort the highest office of the State.

He urged the apex Court to declare the Bill as "violative" of the Constitution, which does not allow the President to hold "any office of profit in the service of Pakistan".

The petitioner also asked the court to direct Musharraf to withhold his assent to the Bill passed by both Houses of Parliament on November 1.

Musharraf has not yet signed the controversial "President to Hold Another Office Bill-2004", which had drawn considerable flak from the Opposition parties, leading to speculation that he is still undecided about retaining uniform beyond this year.

The Bill authorises him to remain as Army Chief and President beyond December 31 and nullifies legal problems arising out of his public promise last year to quit uniform by the end of this year.

"Gen Musharraf would keep his options open and would not sign the Bill until he finally made up his mind and formally announces his decision on his uniform," officials were quoted as saying by media reports in Islamabad.

The Bill cannot become a law until the President signs it, and if he does not sign it within 30 days, it lapses.