ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad anti-terrorist court on Friday granted former military ruler Pervez Musharraf’s request for exemption from appearing before it today in the judges’ detention case and directing the administration and the police to improve security arrangements, adjourned the hearing to Dec 20, DawnNews reported.

ATC special court judge Atiqur Rehman heard the case relating to the detention of superior court judges against Musharraf.

During the hearing, Musharraf’s counsel Ilyas Siddiqui and public prosecutor Nadeem Tabish were present in the court.

Advocate Siddiqui, on behalf of his client, requested the judge for exemption from today’s hearing which was granted.

The application submitted by Musharraf’s counsel stated that it was perilous for the former president to appear in court, adding that the hearings should be held at a secure location.

A representative of the interior ministry informed the judge that an alternative location was being assessed for the trial.

Upon hearing this, the court directed the police and the local administration to ensure improved security and submit a report at the coming hearing of the case.

Subsequently, the court adjourned the hearing to Dec 20.