ISLAMABAD — A Pakistani anti-terrorism court Saturday extended by two weeks the detention of the former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, ensuring that the legal wrangling surrounding the retired general will continue in the run-up to elections on May 11.

Following a hearing that lasted barely five minutes, the judge ordered that Musharraf be held in custody until May 4, during which time he is expected to face charges over his decision to sack senior judges while in power in 2007.

On Saturday afternoon, Islamabad district administration officials announced that Musharraf would be held at his fortified villa, declaring it as a “sub jail.” No visitors will be allowed at the villa on the edge of the capital, officials said.

It was Musharraf’s fourth court appearance in 48 hours, highlighting the unprecedented nature of a case that challenges not only the retired general’s liberty, but also the sense of impunity that military rulers have long enjoyed in Pakistan.

Some critics are trying to have Musharraf tried for treason, a politically contentious undertaking that some fear could prompt an aggressive military intervention. The treason case is due to come before the Supreme Court again Monday.