Musharraf wants alliance with Imran,Qadri for upcoming elections

DUBAI: Former President and army chief General (retd) Pervez Musharraf has proposed forming a political alliance for the next general elections to bring about a change in Pakistan.

“I urge Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri that we the like-minded people should join hands to change the fate of the country to rid Pakistan of corrupt elements and the menace of terrorism,” Musharraf told a press conference at his residence in Dubai after the conclusion of a three-day conference of his party members, who came from around the world to meet him.

More than 100 members of Musharraf’s political party, All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), got together to formulate strategy on national and international issues and to launch preparations for the next general elections.

“We have been hearing of change since 2008, but still nothing happened.“Change cannot be brought alone by a single person or a single party. We all have to join hands to oust corrupt elements during the next elections,” he added.

Quashing rumours about his escape from the country, Musharraf said he would go back to Pakistan to participate in the general elections. “Pakistan is my country and no one can stop me from going back,” he added. He, however, said that date of his return would be announced later.

Musharraf said that political and economic crises in Pakistan have become so bad that the people of the country have begun once again to look to the army for change. He said the government in Pakistan had failed miserably as they have been unable to deliver what they had promised.

Musharraf criticised the judicial system of Pakistan. “There has been so much delay in delivering justice that I got ill and I had to go abroad for medical treatment. I can go back now provided the courts give speedy justice to me,” he was quoted by the Gulf News.

About his party conference in Dubai, Musharraf said he invited members of the Executive Committee of APML to discuss the future strategy of the party for the next general elections. APML Secretary General Dr Mohammad Amjad and some other senior party officials were also present at the meeting.