Pakistan not lifting travel ban on former military ruler

Pakistan says it is not lifting a travel ban on former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, who suffered a heart problem on the way to his trial earlier this week.

“There is no intention to allow him overseas travel at the moment,” media outlets quoted a senior Interior Ministry official as saying.

The unnamed official also denied reports that Musharraf’s wife has filed an application with the ministry seeking to lift the ban.

“No fresh application has been filed by Madam Sehba, and it is clear that the travel ban on Musharraf is not being lifted. He won’t be allowed to travel abroad immediately,” the official noted.

On Thursday, Musharraf was rushed to a military hospital as he was being transported to hear treason charges against him at a special tribunal in Islamabad.

Following the heart problem, Musharraf’s lawyers said doctors have sent his medical reports to experts in Britain to determine his further treatment.

The 70-year-old stands accused over his imposition of emergency rule in November 2007.

Musharraf has faced treason charges since his return to Pakistan, with the aim of running in last May’s general elections. A conviction ruling could mean the death penalty or life behind bars for the ex-president.

Musharraf has recently denounced the treason case as a vendetta against him, saying he still enjoys the support of the military.