Musharraf plot sentences upheld

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Pakistan's Supreme Court has upheld the death sentences of 12 soldiers and civilians convicted of plotting to kill President Pervez Musharraf.

President Musharraf survived two attempts on his life within 11 days, in December 2003 that killed 17 people.

The initial death sentences were passed down by a military court.

A High Court in Lahore rejected the defendants' appeals earlier this year. A three-member bench of the Supreme court has now upheld that decision.

The Lahore court had said it did not have jurisdiction to hear cases decided by a military court.

Three air force personnel, an army soldier and seven civilians have been convicted for the failed attempts.

Another convicted former soldier was hanged last year in the southern city of Multan.

Reading a written verdict, Chief Justice Iftikar Muhammad Chaudhry, said: "The impugned order of the Lahore High Court is maintained and consequently, the appeals are dismissed".

Jamming device

The authorities say they have uncovered a number of plots to kill President Musharraf.

On 14 December 2003, the alleged plotters wired a remote-controlled bomb to a bridge on President Musharraf's regular daily route from Rawalpindi to Islamabad.

The bomb did not detonate because of the jamming devices installed in the presidential motorcade.

But it blew up shortly after the convoy had passed. No-one was injured in the attack.

On 25 December, two suicide bombers tried to ram their explosives-laden cars into the president's motorcade.

President Musharraf escaped unhurt but some of his escort vehicles were destroyed in the attempt.

At least 17 people, including the two suicide bombers, were killed in the attack.

President Musharraf has been a target for religious extremists since becoming a leading partner in the US-led "war on terror".