KARACHI, May 27: The defence counsel for Asif Ali Zardari submitted on Saturday that his client was unable to attend legal proceedings against him as he was under treatment in the US.

Counsel Shahadat Awan prayed the special anti-corruption court, central, to condone Mr Zardari’s absence from the court in the container case as he had joined a cardiac rehabilitation programme at New York University Hospital.

The counsel also placed on record medical certificate issued by Dr Samin Sharma of Zena and Michael A. Wener Cardiovascular Institute, New York.

The medical certificate stated that Mr Zardari was advised stress test with reperfusion imaging because of his ongoing crescendo angina type symptoms and his test was performed on August 23, 2005, which was positive for myocardial ischemia.

It said he underwent cardiac catheterization at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, on Aug 31, 2005, which showed a severe obstructive lesion in the left anterior descending artery, for which he underwent coronary angioplasty.

The certificate further said: “All medical expenses for both in-and-out-patient departments were fully paid by the patient himself. Six weeks post procedure, he was recommended to join a cardiac rehabilitation programme at New York University Hospital. This cardiac rehabilitation programme is of six-month duration and expected to finish in May. On completion of this programme, he will be re-evaluated for further cardiac care and management.

“In addition to his cardiac history, he has nasal and spinal issues for which he has been advised to consult appropriate surgeons after he finishes with his rehabilitation programme.”

Judge Shaukat Ali Memon granted the application of the defence counsel and adjourned the hearing of container case till July 8.

Meanwhile, district and sessions judge, East, Zafar Ahmed Sherwani, put off hearing of Mir Murtaza Bhutto murder case against Asif Ali Zardari and others till June 10 after defence counsel Shahadat Awan filed an intimation about the medical treatment of his client in US.