Malik was with the team in Faisalabad when his father died

And captain Inzamam-ul-Haq is also in doubt for the game, starting in Karachi on 29 January, with an inflamed disc.

But paceman Rana Naved-ul-Hasan was declared fit after a shoulder injury.

Cricket board boss Shaharyar Khan said in an open letter to Malik: "We realize that you were away on national duty on the tragic day and share your grief."

Malik left the side on Sunday night for Sialkot in Punjab to be with his father, Malik Faqir Hussain.

But he was called back to Faisalabad on Tuesday in case he was needed to bat in the second innings on the final day of the second Test.

In the end he was not needed as Pakistan secured a draw that left the series level at 0-0 with one match to play.

The home side recalled seamer Umar Gul and Faisal Iqbal, nephew of former great Javed Miandad, as cover in a 16-man squad for Karachi.

They will wait to see how Inzamam responds to treatment before deciding whether he can play.

"I am much better now, improving day by day and hopefully I'll be fit for the final Test match," said Inzamam

Inzamam was forced to miss two Tests on Pakistan's tour of Australia in 2004/5 because of similar trouble.