Parvez Musharraf to return Pakistan within a week

Dubai/Islamabad: Pakistan’s Former President Pervez Musharraf on Friday said he would return to Pakistan within a week of the formation of a caretaker administration later this month.

69-year-old Musharraf, who stepped down as President in 2008 after he was threatened with impeachment, brushed aside questions on whether he would be arrested on his return in connection with several cases against him, including the case related to the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto.
“I don’t see any reason why I should be arrested,” he said in response to repeated questions on whether he would be detained on his homecoming. Musharraf said he would react only “in accordance with what happens at the airport”. “There is no case against me in court. If I am to be punished for giving economic progress to Pakistan and for reducing unemployment…I am ready to face the courts,” he said.

“People say it’s too late, there are cases against me, my life is in danger (but) it’s now or never,” he added. In the past, PPP leaders have said that Musharraf would be arrested as soon as he lands as he is wanted by authorities in connection with Bhutto’s assassination.

Prosecutors have accused Musharraf of failing to provide adequate security to Bhutto. Musharraf, who left Pakistan in early 2009, said his All Pakistan Muslim League party will “fully participate” in the next general election and field candidates in almost all constituencies across the country.

The former President said he himself planned to contest the polls from one seat in all four provinces and the capital territory of Islamabad. The former army chief contended that the polls be free and fair only if they are supervised by the military. “The election must be held in a fair and transparent manner, which is possible only if it is done under the army’s supervision,” he said.