Pakistani Court Lifts Travel Ban On Musharraf

Former President Pervez Musharraf

Pakistan's Supreme Court has lifted a travel ban imposed on the country's former President Pervez Musharraf.

The ban, imposed in 2013, was removed in a court ruling on March 16.

The former military ruler returned to Pakistan to take part in elections in March 2013 but was barred from running and instead became embroiled in several court cases, including one that involved treason charges.

Musharraf's lawyers say he needs to go abroad for urgent spinal treatment not available in Pakistan.

The 70-year-old Musharraf took power in a 1999 coup by dismissing the government of then-and-now Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He stepped down in 2008 and left Pakistan.

The court decision pits Pakistan's powerful military, which is believed to still back Musharraf, against the civilian government, which wants him to face the courts.

Based on reporting by AFP and AP