DHAKA: Pakistani judges hearing treason charges against Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday adjourned his formal indictment to the end of the week after an official report said the former military ruler’s life was under threat.

Musharraf, who ruled from 1999 to 2008, became the first former army chief to come before court on treason charges last month in a case that is seen as a test of civilian rule over the country’s powerful army.

The court was due to indict Musharraf on Tuesday over his 2007 imposition of emergency rule, but lead judge Faisal Arab exempted him from appearing until Friday after his lawyers presented an interior ministry report citing security threats.

‘We exempt him for today’s appearance but he should appear in court by Friday and all required security arrangements in the wake of this threat should be made by Friday,’ Judge Arab said, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1808 HRS, MAR 11, 2014