ISLAMABAD, July 4: Asif Ali Zardari, jailed spouse of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, has been flown to Karachi. He is to appear before the district and sessions judge, Karachi East, in connection with the case of the murder of Mir Murtaza Bhutto, Dawn learnt on Friday.

Asif Zardari was taken to Karachi at around midnight, sources said.

His counsel, Farooq H. Naek, accused the authorities of subjecting his client to mental torture as he had been enjoying a brief reunion with his daughter Asifa Zardari. His daughter had recently been allowed to meet the jailed PPP leader, who had been incarcerated for the past six years.

About a month ago, the Supreme Court had reserved its judgment on his petition, contending that he should be shifted to Karachi to allow him to appear in cases pending in Karachi courts. The judgment in this regard is still awaited.