ISLAMABAD, March 11 (UPI) -- Death threats against former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf prompted judges Tuesday to postpone his formal indictment on treason charges.
The special judges in Islamabad adjourned the case until Friday because of security concerns expressed by Musharraf's lawyers, Iran's government-backed Press TV reported. The court instructed the Pakistani government to take steps to assure Musharraf's safety.
The security issues were raised after the Pakistani Interior Ministry told law enforcement agencies al-Qaida and Taliban were plotting an assassination attempt.
Musharraf is accused in connection with his 2007 imposition of emergency rule in Pakistan. He also faces allegations he was involved in that year's assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Related
- Ex-Pakistani leader Musharraf won't be tried in military court
- Pervez Musharraf makes brief court appearance in Pakistan
- Pervez Musharraf ordered to appear to answer treason charges
- Doctors tell court Musharraf wants medical treatment abroad
- Musharraf fails to appear in special court for his treason trial
- Court documents: Musharraf suffering from artery blockage, stress
The former general, who ruled Pakistan from 1999 when he took power in a non-violent coup until he was forced to resign in 2008, returned from exile a year ago to run in the country's general elections but was barred from doing so because of the charges against him.
The PakTribune reported death threats against Musharraf came from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and al-Qaida, but the Interior Ministry suggested he also could be targeted by his own men as he was to make his way from the hospital where he is being treated to the courtroom.
Ahmed Raza Kasuri, an attorney for Musharraf, has said his client would not appear in court until the former leader's safety is guaranteed, Pakistan Today reported. The government had deployed 2,200 security troops to guard the route.
Dawn News reported Kasuri said the three special judges would be held responsible if anything were to happen to Musharraf.