Musharraf leaves for treatment abroad despite treason charge

By: 9 years ago

Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, speaks during a press conference in Karachi, Pakistan, Sunday, March 31, 2013. An angry lawyer threw a shoe at former President Pervez Musharraf as he headed to court in southern Pakistan on Friday to face legal charges following his return to the country after four years in self-imposed exile, police said. (AP Photo/Fareed Khan)

Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf speaks during a press conference in Karachi, Pakistan, in March 2013. Musharraf, who faces trials for treason and murder, has left Pakistan for treatment in Dubai, according to his aide. AP

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan’s former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, who faces trials for treason and murder, has left Pakistan for treatment abroad.

Musharraf’s aide Dr. Mohammad Amjad says Musharraf departed for Dubai early Friday from Karachi.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court lifted a travel ban; Musharraf had pledged to return after treatment for a back injury.

A former military chief, Musharraf, 72, took power in a 1999 bloodless coup, dismissing Nawaz Sharif’s government. He stepped down in 2008 under threat of potential impeachment and left Pakistan.

Musharraf returned in March 2013, hoping for a political comeback, but instead became embroiled in multiple court cases.

He has been charged with treason for suspending the constitution in 2007 and with involvement in the 2007 assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.