Medical board be formed to assess Musharraf's condition: court

E-Paper | December 05, 2025

ISLAMABAD: A special court hearing treason charges against Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf has ordered the formation of a medical board to assess the former dictator’s health and submit a report by Jan 24.

The three judge-panel gave the order on Thursday after Musharraf failed to appear in court yet again and his lawyers told the court that the retired general needed medical treatment in the United States.

In a letter submitted to the special court, doctors recommended that Musharraf be treated at the Paris Regional Medical Center in Paris, Texas.

“We have attached a letter with the documents from the doctors of a heart clinic in Texas and they have recommended that he should be shifted to that clinic for further treatment,” lawyer Mansoor Ali Khan told the tribunal.

The letter, signed by the Director of Interventional Cardiology at the Texas center, Arjumand Hashmi, asked that Musharraf be transferred to the hospital.

Musharraf was taken to the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC), where he is currently being kept, after falling ill while traveling to the special treason tribunal two weeks ago.

The 70-year-old has yet to appear in person before the three-judge panel, after missing repeated hearings due to the health scare.

Earlier on Jan 9, the special court, comprising of Justice Faisal Arab of the Sindh High Court, Justice Tahira Safdar of the Balochistan High Court and Justice Yawar Ali of the Lahore High Court, had rejected the excuse of Musharraf’s absence on medical grounds and summoned him on Jan 16 (today) for indictment. The court had also warned that it would issue an order against the former army chief if he failed to appear before it on Jan 16.

After hearing arguments of his counsel today, the three-judge panel granted Musharraf exemption from appearance at proceedings until Jan 23 but ordered that a medical board of AFIC doctors be formed to independently assess his medical condition.

The hearing was subsequently adjourned to Friday.

Also on Thursday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) rejected a petition for a restraining order against the exemption of the former president’s appearance at the special court.

The IHC bench said that it did not possess the legal authority to review or revoke a decision issued by the special court. Justice Riaz Ahmed Khan – who was heading the bench – remarked that it was impossible for the IHC to interfere in the jurisdiction of the special court.

Aside from the treason allegations, Musharraf also faces trial over the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, the killing of Baloch nationalist leader Nawab Akbar Bugti, a deadly raid on Lal Masjid and the detention of superior court judges.

Rumours have circulated for months that a backroom deal would be struck to whisk him overseas to avoid a destabilising clash between the government, which brought the charges, and the armed forces.

Musharraf's camp says the treason allegations, which relate to his imposition of emergency rule in Nov 2007, are politically motivated, and his lawyers have challenged the authority of the tribunal.

But the former commando has said he wants to stay and fight the charges.

Pakistan

Musharraf may not appear in court

Treason case: Court orders Musharraf's production on Jan 16

khalid H

Jan 16, 2014 10:16am

Fabricated case by Nawaz Sharif. Is Nawaz Sharif Ameen and Sadiq - required qualification under article 62 and 63.

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Taseer Ahmad Siddiqui

Jan 16, 2014 10:29am

Article 6 ought to be applied on many people including Nawaz Sharif for siding with despicable Zia, Iftikhar Chaudhry and his cronies for validating 1999 coup, all judges who ever took oath under PCO, all Generals who abetted in commission of treason, etc. etc

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sabeeh omer

Jan 16, 2014 11:09am

He is not so sick that he can't appear in court. He is simply avoiding court appearance because the shadow of his unconstitutional deeds loom over him. The army should keep away from what are Musharraf's wrong-doings. After all, the army does not comprise of angels. Individuals too can make mistakes.

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khan

Jan 16, 2014 11:38am

The trial court should set up an independent medical board to examine Gen Musharrf and give its report with in in 48 hours.These doctors should nopt be from our establishment.There are enough medical expert in Pakistan who can take care of all nine conditions while him staying in Pakistan.There was nothing in the medical report which require him to go abroad for treatment. By allowing Gen Musharraf to go abroad for treatment while facing trial would send a wrong message to the publicThere is one rule for common man and another for VVIPs!

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Taseer Ahmad Siddiqui

Jan 16, 2014 01:57pm

i think what is happening with him is not justice and not following the constitution by true spirit is also a TREASON

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mac1954

Jan 16, 2014 02:33pm

This looks more like TV dramas which are never ending and very slow in moving forward. Instead of running for appearance or non-appearance, why do not the Court go ahead and do their job. This way they will be able to show to the nation if there is any substance in this case.

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usman civil 01-08-2013

Jan 16, 2014 02:40pm

Court should close this drama. I doubt that the result of this case will also be same like memo and raymon davis. They are just wasting time.

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naseem

Jan 16, 2014 03:45pm

PARIS, TEXAS Hospital, what a joke. Paris is a very small town in Texas, population less than 20,000. If he can be treated in Paris hospital and not in AFIC then the Military should shut it down. These Comando jokers are making fool of the whole nation.

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Jan 16, 2014 04:19pm

Quite a judicial order from an indipendent judiciary.

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rsngh

Jan 16, 2014 04:29pm

Retd General Masharf, Ex Army Chief & President for 9 years is undoubtedly, one of Pakistan's most daring & bravest General.It is foolish to call such a brave commondo General as traitor,who proved his mettle in war.When a Pak Defence Minister call"Masharf as a traitor of his country", it provesit the extent of foolishness of the minister.Can a traitor become army Chief & its president?.Did he ran from battle or sold some Pak assets?How foolish/childish can be some Pak ministers when they say only a civilian leader can face a court & an Army General/officer are scared.Such comments can be expected from enemies of a state but not from country's De-fence minister.Only time will tell weather disgracing PAK Army Chief/its army by a childish De fence minister is accepted by army/ by those who love their nation.One thing is certain,those who are calling general Musharaf a traitor are dancing to the tunes of Pak Baitors & make them rejoice over the folly of foolish Pak ministers in calling their bravest soldier as a traitor, in whose rule Pak economic growth was @ 8% & dollar was for Rs.52.Even ex Indian Army Chief General VK Singh had said as asoldier he appreciate the guts of General Musharraf when as Army Chief he spent a night with Pak Commando in a bunkerat a heght of 17200 feet during Kargil War.

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Abdullah Yusuf

Jan 16, 2014 04:46pm

@a: Thanks . Abdullah Yusuf.

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sabeeh omer

Jan 16, 2014 05:27pm

Interesting! What is it that this dictator is suffering from that cannot be treated in Pakistan. Why have the doctors responsible for his care stooped so low that they are testifying to their own incompetence? Wanting to take treatment abroad is a choice but saying that treatment is not available in Pakistan is another issue. If a simple by-pass surgery or angioplasty cannot be done in the AFIC then the army should as well close this center and sack the doctors!

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Taseer Ahmad Siddiqui

Jan 16, 2014 05:49pm

Musharraf is a reall leader, he has no curruption charges like current leaders but had done great development plans for Pakistan during his tenure, now PM just trying to convert people attention.

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Gadhe-ke-peecheSe

Jan 16, 2014 06:36pm

There is lesson to be learned from Egyptians how they dealt with Hussney Mubrak. Authority dragged his hospital bed in the court room along with standby doctor for just in case if he decided to commit sucide. Exactly the same procedure must applied here with superficial mulingerer. Pervez M long over due for the justice, cannot be wasted court time any more. This zero tolerance message S Court authority must employ.

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Syed Ahmed

Jan 16, 2014 06:40pm

@a: Is it sarcasm? I am not so intelligent.

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fida sayani

Jan 16, 2014 06:49pm

Poor Musharaf, a former commando, he needs treatment in USA. The great self proclaimed hero has no faith in Pakistani doctors and medical institutions. He deserve a medal of patriotism.

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Salim Khan

Jan 16, 2014 06:55pm

It is just a drama and a game of wits between the army and the PML(N). Musharraf is an old man and is a history. Let this person go abroad for the good. Historically, he never paid any tax on his income. He earned about 7 million dollars from the sell of his book and did not pay a single penny as tax to the national exchequer.He is a shame and be allowed to go out of our country. We do not have time and money to spend on his lavish life style for the reason of security. Please stop being stuppid , Mr. Prime Minister.

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omg

Jan 16, 2014 07:16pm

Why regional medical center in Paris, Texas, (a small clinic) when there is world famous St. Luke Hospital in Houston Texas close by. ( which is part of worlds largest, Texas Medical Center, with over 20 hospitals) It shows the hospital was picked not by merit, but by whom they know!!!

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mohammad shafique

Jan 16, 2014 07:25pm

if hosni mubarak can be tried in court lying down on a hospital bed why cannot musharraf ?

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asif

Jan 16, 2014 08:29pm

Nawaz sharif silent, all politicians silent. army wins again and we can keep on chest thumping jamhooriat.

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Amir Bangash

Jan 16, 2014 08:41pm

General Musharaf and his team have done a lot not only for the people of Pakistan but humanity also as his bold decisions made possible the elimination and arrest of high profile terrorists.The value of dollar has almost reached double what was in his time and prices of commodities sky rocketed once he stepped down.

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Muneer

Jan 16, 2014 09:19pm

Enough pampering has been allocated to the commando, It has been become a total mockery. Double standards for dictators and persons of influence.

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Youth

Jan 16, 2014 09:52pm

Congratulations, the politicians are very true to their promise. They have fulfilled all other promises they made to over come problems in Pakistan. Now punishing Pervaiz Musharraf is the only feather in the hat that is required by the gov't to score a perfect. LOL!

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Imtiaz

Jan 16, 2014 11:14pm

President Mubarak came into court on a hospital bed. I think Musharraf is following that precedence. I dont believe there is a hint of truth in the statements from his medical team. I also dont think the army is interested. If it was it would have come to his rescue by now. I am of the opinion that he should be tried and hanged just to leave an example for the young budding would be dictators in waiting. While we are at it hang one or two of these extremist mullahs. so they can feel the chill too.

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Rash ad

Jan 16, 2014 11:42pm

I think the govt is more scared than anyone they dare not make a move against the general.

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M. Johri ---canada

Jan 17, 2014 02:07am

@a: You are so right , some time I feel like to cry on whole scale corruption which past government committed and how present government which came in power by using illegal methods in election is involved in, and worst thing is unfortunately the man at highest post at supreme court endorsed those wrongful methods .Now the people (JUNTA) of Pakistan are suffering. In case of Musharaff it's pathetic that a man who commanded the best and the finest army of one million is kicked around by some corrupt politician and judges. is kicked around

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Syed

Jan 17, 2014 04:08am

Daik Lo Aaj Ham Ko Jee Bhar Kay

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shan

Jan 17, 2014 04:09am

I pary that Musharraf health improve and he be granted persmission to travel for futher checkup and operation. Otherwise someone will be guilty for life if he get aother stroke or HA. last year my brother was told he has some blockage in the heart and he need operation. He delayed the operation and one day just drop dead on the street while on regular walk. So I don't think we should assume that anyone will fake situation about his/her health. Take it as it is said by experts.

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Abdul Malik

Jan 17, 2014 04:40am

So what is new? It's a no brainer ! regardless of what the judiciary orders and/or Nawaz, his family and his party wishes, at the end of the day the establishment wishes and requirements will be met and the armed forces will prevail. Dr. Hashmi, institute of cardiology, doctors recommendations etc are nothing but a staged drama. People of Pakistan are not stupid.

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Jan 17, 2014 08:28am

DRAG him in to court. IF he survives the trial then send him for treatment in shackles.

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Rizwan

Jan 18, 2014 05:53am

The Public say let Mashraff go free. Thats what the public want. All the public wants is for the present government to be able give what Mashraffs goverment has given , good governance. Zindabad Mashraff...

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