Former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf may not receive the same protocol and security cover, which he enjoyed earlier, when he returns back home to defend himself in front of the Supreme Court.

According to sources, Musharraf had approached President Asif Ali Zardari through a friend asking him to provide VIP protocol and security when he returns home for hearing of the case being filed against him in the apex court challenging the legality of imposing emergency in the country on November 3, 2007.

However, Zardari has denied any commitment and has asked Musharraf to postpone his visit, sources privy to the Presidency said, The Nation reports.

Zardari has advised Musharraf to defer his plans of returning to Pakistan until “conducive conditions prevail”, they added.

Meanwhile, Musharraf has sought advice of a legal team headed by top lawyer Abdul Hafeez Pirzada regarding the case.

Pirzada is believed to be an old ally of Musharraf.