DHAKA: Pakistan’s former military ruler Pervez Musharraf has been taken to hospital with a suspected heart problem on his way to court for his treason trial.

Officials told the court the 70-year-old was transferred to the Armed Forces Cardiology Hospital in Rawalpindi, reports the BBC.

It is the third time the former president has failed to appear in court following two previous security scares.

The treason charges relate to his decision in 2007 to suspend the constitution and impose emergency rule.

Musharraf denies the charges and says all the accusations against him are politically motivated.

He is the first Pakistani former military ruler to face trial for treason. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to death or life in prison.

He also faces separate charges of murder and restricting the judiciary.

The nature of Musharraf’s reported heart condition is not yet clear.

One of his aides told media that he was in ‘bad shape’.

BDST: 1445 HRS, JAN 02, 2014
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor