ISLAMABAD – Former military ruler Pervez Musharraf on Saturday was ordered held for two weeks until the next hearing in a case related to his 2007 decision to sack and detain several judges.

After the judge’s order, Islamabad’s administration declared that Musharraf’s lavish country residence could serve as a jail, meaning the ex-president could be held there under house arrest.

The development is the latest act in the drama surrounding Musharraf’s return to Pakistan, which climaxed with his arrest Friday after a speedy escape from another court hearing.

The former general, who seized power in a coup and ruled Pakistan for nearly a decade, has seen his fortunes plummet since he returned in March after four years in self-imposed exile.

The arrest of such a prominent military figure in a country that has experienced three coups has unsettled Pakistan at a time when it is preparing for historic elections on May 11.

Saturday’s order came at a hearing in an Islamabad court, where Musharraf was brought under heavy security as supporters and opponents gathered outside the court.

The judge ruled that Musharraf would be held in custody until the next hearing on May 4. Musharraf’s legal team had been pushing to get his estate on the edge of Islamabad declared a temporary jail under Pakistani law.