ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan's former president Pervez Musharraf was briefly hospitalized in the port city of Karachi on Thursday after suffering chest pain and breathing problems but was allowed home later that day, a senior leader of his party and his spokeswoman said.

Mohammad Amjad, the secretary-general of Musharraf's All Pakistan Muslim League party, said Musharraf was treated in an intensive care unit after his family rushed him to hospital. He said doctors undertook several medical tests before Musharraf returned home, amid tight security.

Musharraf's spokeswoman Aasia Ishaq also confirmed that the former military ruler had been discharged from hospital.

Musharraf took power in a 1999 coup and served as president until 2008, when he was forced to step down as his popularity plummeted and he was threatened with impeachment.

In recent years, Musharraf has been on trial for high treason over his suspension of Pakistan's constitution in 2007 and his detention of a number of judges.