Musharraf to return despite threats, arrest

Shrugging off arrest warrants and threats to his life by terrorists, former Pakistan president General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf on Sunday insisted that he would end his self-imposed exile on March 23 next year and return to the country.

Addressing his supporters in Dubai at an Iftar party, he said there is nothing to fear. “Many people say there is danger to my life; but I have already encountered many such fears and threats during my career. And I’m not scared of these rumour-mongers. I’ll face the challenges and go to Pakistan. I have fought earlier and will fight again… to win elections.”

Former military ruler has been declared proclaimed offender by Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorist Court (ATC) in an assassination case of late prime minister Benazir Bhutto. He has been accused of failing to provide adequate security to Bhutto and conspiring to kill her which he denies.

Nearly 2,000 followers attended the party organised by Musharraf’s All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) supporters at the Dubai World Trade Centre on the occasion of Pakistan’s Independence Day on August 14, 2011.

Unveiling APML’s four-point agenda to improve country’s economy and law and order situation, former president promised to deliver peace, jobs, education and justice if returned to power in the next elections.

He urged his supporters to come forward to support newly-launched party APML. He, however, lambasted and accused present leadership of corruption and nepotism which is leading the country to the brink of default. Ironically, Musharraf’s APML has, of late, also been witnessing defections and accusations of nepotism in its ranks. Nasim Ashraf, a confidant and staunch supporter of Musharraf for over a decade, was the latest high-profile deserter of APML. Ashraf is reportedly intending to spend time with an hospital in Abu Dhabi.

The Independence Day ceremony was attended by APML leaders from the UAE, the UK and Pakistan. Altaf Shahid, President of APML’s UK Chapter; Mohammed Noureed Awan, CEO and President of MMA Group; and members of UAE chapters.

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