RAWALPINDI: Doctors of Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) on Wednesday did not allow a Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) delegation to meet former military dictator Pervez Musharraf.

The delegation, led by Senator Tahir Mashadi, was received by Pervez Musharraf’s All Paksitan Muslim League (APML) leaders outside the hospital premises.

The delegation, however, put bouquet outside the hospital on The Mall and prayed for the well being of Musharraf. They tried to meet the former president but doctors and administration refused to allow them.

While talking to newsmen, Senator Tahir Mashadi said though they could not meet the ailing former president, their visit had served the purpose as they came to express solidarity with the former chief of army staff and president.

“The trial of Pervez Musharraf in high treason case is unjust as being commander of the army and president of Pakistan he served the country. He had done nothing wrong and against the country during his tenure,” he said.

He said if the trial was launched against Musharraf it should be extended to his associates who advised him to impose emergency on November 3, 2007.

Terming the trial politically motivated, he demanded an end to ‘character assassination’ of former army chief.

“We came to the hospital to inquire after the of former president and express solidarity with him in this trying times, but doctors refused to us access to him as rest for the patient was more important,” the MQM leader said.

Mr Mashadi said the MQM delegation met APML leaders and prayed for the early recovery of the former army chief who served the country.

APML leader Dr Mohammad Amjad thanked the MQM delegation for coming to the hospital and prayed for the early recovery of former president.

He said that the former president was doing good, but could not meet the delegation as doctors advised him complete rest.

Mr Amjad thanked the MQM delegation for visiting the former president as their gesture was an acknowledgement from the political party for Musharraf’s services for the country.