Musharraf hints at return after formation of third political force

DUBAI: Former military ruler General (R) Pervez Musharraf Wednesday hinted to return to Pakistan after formation of third political force in the country.

He said that he would welcome the change if the current government is dismissed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan through joint investigation team (JIT) probe. Addressing a press conference at the office of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) in Dubai, Musharraf said change in the country could only be brought through democracy. He said that Pakistan was in the need of change and replacement of the system so it would be, according to him, a "bonus" as he hoped the Supreme Court will bring change in the country.

Musharraf said that he was ready to lead the grand alliance of the political parties who are fed up with the politics of PML-N and PPP. On Tuesday, some leaders of inconsequential religious and political parties met with Musharraf at his residence and asked him to lead what they termed as "grand political alliance."

President Awami League Riaz Fatiyana, chairman Sunni Ittehad Council Hamid Raza, additional secretary Muttahida Wahdadat-e-Muslimeen Nasir Shirazi, president of Muslim League Jenejo Iqbal Dar, chairman Pakistan Mazdoor Ittehad Naeem Quershi as well as secretary general APML Dr Amjad were also present at the press conference. He didn't announce any specific date to return to the country and said that when his "grand alliance" gets successful and popular then he will definitely go back to Pakistan.

The former military ruler rejected the current government claims of better economic outlook and asserted that Pakistan's foreign direct investment and exports had been decreasing. He said that Pakistan's international status and repute has been blown out due to the current foreign policies. He stated that Pakistan's image was tarnished in the international community, especially in United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, United States and Iran.

Musharraf also praised the assistance of Saudi Arabia and UAE to Pakistan during difficult times and said that Pakistan should stand with both the brother countries. He said that his party was in contact with Dr Tahirul Qadri for inclusion in the alliance. He said that all parties of urban Sindh including the MQM-Pakistan and Pak Sar Zameen Party should not be divided and they should be on one page for the betterment of the country.  

Faisal Kamal Pasha adds: Musharraf said Pakistan should not get itself involved in the sectarian wars but try to mediate between the rival countries as this war will not benefit anyone. He said the government’s policies resulted in jeopardising Pakistan's internal and external situation, isolating and disgracing the country.

“Law and order situation is worse while political parties are doing nothing to amend this situation. There is a need to form a grand political alliance and joint struggle against the present circumstances,” he said. Musharraf expressed hope that there will be a grand alliance of all the Muslim Leagues in the 2018 elections.

Dr Amjad said the rulers for their petty personal interests played havoc with the sovereignty and independence of the country. He said Pakistan is suffering due to poverty, extremism, terrorism, law and order situation, unemployment, injustice and corruption.