Islamabad ( CNN ) -- A Special Court in Pakistan has charged former military ruler Pervez Musharraf with high treason -- a crime that carries the death penalty or life imprisonment . Musharraf , who ruled the country following a 1999 coup until 2008 , faced a total of five charges during the hearing at the court in Islamabad Monday , including three counts of subverting , suspending and changing the country 's constitution , sacking Pakistan 's chief justice and imposing emergency rule . He pleaded `` not guilty '' to each of the charges . In an address to the court , the former president denied he was a traitor , and instead claimed Pakistan `` prospered and grew '' under his tenure . Monday 's hearing took place amid tight security , with thousands of police and security forces lining the route to the court . In an unexpected twist , the retired army general was represented by a new lawyer , with no reason yet given for the change . Web of court cases . Musharraf went into self-imposed exile in 2008 , in London and more recently in Dubai , after standing down as president . He returned to Pakistan last year with the aim of running in the country 's national elections . But his plans unraveled as he became entangled in a web of court cases relating to his time in power . In 2007 , Musharraf declared a state of emergency , suspended Pakistan 's constitution , replaced the chief judge and blacked out independent TV outlets . Musharraf said he did so to stabilize the country and to fight rising Islamist extremism . The action drew sharp criticism from the United States and democracy advocates . Pakistanis openly called for his removal . Under pressure from the West , Musharraf later lifted the state of emergency and called elections in which his party fared badly . Musharraf stepped down in August 2008 after the governing coalition began taking steps to impeach him . Prosecutors say Musharraf violated Pakistan 's constitution by imposing the state of emergency . In January , Musharraf was unable to attend another court hearing after being hospitalized . Asiya Ishaq , a supporter and leader of the All Pakistan Muslim League , said the former president had been feeling pressure in his chest and was not well . Pakistan media has reported he has been receiving treatment for high blood pressure . Musharraf is also on an `` exit control list '' in Pakistan , which prevents him leaving the country , although Akram Shaikh , the prosecutor in the case , said Monday that if the court allows the 70-year old to travel abroad then he has no objection . Pakistan media has reported that Musharraf 's mother is currently in critical condition in a hospital in the UAE , and that he has requested permission to visit her .
Pervez Musharraf faces five treason charges , including imposing emergency rule in 2007 . The former army chief , who ruled until 2008 , pleaded not guilty to all five . Comment: High treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment .