DHAKA: Pakistan’s former military ruler Pervez Musharraf failed to show up for a hearing in the treason case against him on Wednesday, with his lawyers citing security threats.

The 70-year-old stands accused over his imposition of emergency rule in November 2007, but he and his legal team have dismissed the charge as politically motivated.

Conviction could mean the death penalty or life imprisonment for Musharraf, who has faced a series of criminal cases since returning from self-imposed exile last March.

His defence team said he could not attend the special treason tribunal on Wednesday because security was inadequate.

They also complained that lawyers in the case had been threatened, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1622 HRS, JAN 01, 2014
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor