KARACHI, Oct 9 : The sword of death still hangs over ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif as lie completes his first year behind bars since being toppled from power in a military coup on October 12. reports AIT.

A high court, which has heard Sharifs appeal against the life sentence dealt to him by an anti-terrorism tribunal In April, is currently hearing a state appeal that has called for the death penally.

Azlzullah Sheikh, the 75-ycar old counsel for Sharif, said: "rhe sword or shadow of death will remain hanging over Sharifs head until decided otherwise by the court."

The charges relate to the night of the coup after Sharif sacked then army chief General Pervez Musharraf while he was flying home from Srl Lanka.

The anti-terrorism court found Sharif guilty of trying to stop Musharrafs plane, which also had another 198 passengers onboard, from landing. 'Ihe aircraft landed after the army took control of Karachi airport and Musharraf seized power.

I am trying my best to save Nawaz Sharif," the defence counsel said.

State counsel Raja Qureshi said all the appeals were likely to be decided within the next few weeks.

Sharif. 52, has accused Musharraf of a personal vendetta against him. a charge vehemently denied by the military ruler.

At every press opportunity. Sharif and his supporters have complained about the former politicians treatment in Jail.

"The whole year lias been a nightmare, starting from Octo- I ber 12. Il Is still continuing." Sliarlfs wife Kulsoom Nawaz said in an Interview with AFP.

Appearing tense and tough. Kulsoom at her residence in Lahore said: "Musharraf is carrying oul a personal vendetta against my husband."

Sharif has been "severely mentally tortured. But Ihe military was unable to prove a single allegation against him, she said.

"Guilty is not rny husband, guilty Is General Musharraf who has violated the constitution" by overthrowing an elec ted government, she added.

"It has been a traumatic year for me as a wife, mother and grandmother." Kulsoom said, recalling that after her hus-band's arrest last year, she was not told of his whereabouts for a month.

"As a wife I miss my husband and as a mother it pains to sec my son Hussain Nawaz sUll In prison without a charge after one year. As a grandmother I wish Hussain would have been there when his son went to school for the first time last month."

Sharifs brother Shahbaz. a former chief minister In Punjab province, celebrated his 50th birthday in Landhl prison in Karachi last week.

"It was a quiet experience." he told AFP.

"The country is passing through a difficult time," said Shabaz, who was acquitted along with five other coaccused in the hijacking case but remains in custody on corruption charges. The state has appealed the acquittals.