KARACHI: Pakistan’s former military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, was briefly in hospital recently but was now back home and spending time with his family, a senior leader of his All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) said on Friday, dismissing rumors that the retired general was in critical condition at a Dubai hospital.

Musharraf, who seized power in a 1999 military coup and stepped down nine years later amid mass protests, was allowed to leave Pakistan in 2016 for health reasons that his lawyer has argued prevent him from standing trial on treason and other charges. Musharraf denied the charges.

On Thursday, messages circulated on social media websites that the former ruler was critically ill. One WhatsApp message claimed he had died at a Dubai hospital.

APML leader Amber Naeem said Musharraf had been taken to hospital on Wednesday but was discharged the following day.

“He is unwell and is taken to hospital when required but there is nothing to worry about regarding his life,” she told Arab News. “He is fine now and at home.”

A day earlier, Mehrene Adam Malik, Secretary General of the APML, said in a tweet: “There is no truth in rumors on social media about Former President of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf on ventilator or critical condition. He is fine, spending time with his family and as advised by his doctors, taking rest. May Allah bless him with long and healthy life, Amen.”

Musharraf’s lawyer told a special court earlier this month that his client was suffering from several, including a rare life-threatening, disease and thus could not personally attend court hearings in a treason case. That case is adjourned until after Ramadan.

The criminal cases against Musharraf were lodged by prosecutors under former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was ousted as prime minister in the 1999 coup. Sharif returned to power in elections in 2013.

Musharraf has not returned to Pakistan since he was allowed to leave in 2016.