Islamabad: Former ambassador Husain Haqqani today submitted an application asking to be excused from appearing tomorrow before the judicial commission that is investigating a mysterious memo that sought US help to stave off a feared coup in Pakistan last year.
Haqqani, who was forced to quit after American businessman Mansoor Ijaz made the memo public, said in the application submitted in the Islamabad High Court that he wished to be excused on grounds of bad health.
The Supreme Court-appointed commission is set to resume its hearings tomorrow after being granted an extension in its term. Haqqani is currently in the US and has petitioned the apex court to allow him to depose before the commission via a video link.
In his application, Haqqani said he is feeling unwell and undergoing medical tests for chest and artery disease in the US. He said his doctors have found he has symptoms of
"crescendo angina" and advised him to undergo a thorough investigation and tests.
Haqqani said he had also submitted a petition in the Supreme Court to allow him to record his statement via video link as a similar facility was provided to Mansoor Ijaz.
Haqqani`s lawyer Zahid Bukhari said the apex court had adjourned the hearing of the petition on March 29 without deciding on the issue.
Bukhari requested the commission to adjourn its proceedings till the Supreme Court gives a decision on Haqqani`s petition.
On March 31, the commission had summoned Haqqani to Pakistan for recording his statement with regard to the origin, authenticity and purpose of the memo.
PTI
