Call for Pervez Musharraf to be checked by civilian docs, instead of military

Former Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf’s condition should be assessed by civilian cardiologists, instead of military doctors, head of the prosecution team for the treason trial of the former military ruler has said.

Advocate Mohammad Akram Sheikh objected to the composition of a medical board ordered to be set up by the special court and suggested the three-judge special court that top five cardiologists could have been appointed for medical examination of the accused, Dawn News reports.

The court, meanwhile, directed the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) to constitute the medical board to ascertain the condition of the former army chief and to submit a report by January 24, the report added.

Musharraf was rushed to the AFIC after he complained of heart problems en route to the special court for his first hearing on treason trial on January 2.

Advocate Akram accused Musharraf of deliberately defying the orders of the court four times to be summoned for special hearing.

He also requested the court to issue an order for taking Musharraf into custody, saying there was a possibility that he might escape abroad.

However, the court has said that it could issue such an order on January 24 after the receipt of the medical board’s report.

The Pakistani government has laid fives charges against Musharraf for imposing emergency rule in November 2007.