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Not afraid to return to Pakistan: Musharraf

Former military ruler Pervez Musharraf on Friday announced that he would return to Pakistan to contest elections as soon as an interim government is set up.

Without specifying the date of his return, Musharraf said that his party would contest the upcoming general elections from all constituencies.

Making the announcement barely weeks before March 16 when assemblies are expected to be dissolved and a caretaker government appointed to oversee the elections, Musharraf said: “It is now or never.”

The ex-president made a similar announcement last year but delayed the return after the Pakistan government warned that he would be arrested upon his return. Musharraf, who has been in self-exile since 2008, has two court warrants for his arrest in connection with the 2006 death of Akbar Bugti and the 2007 assassination of ex-prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

“People say there are cases against me and there is danger, I am not afraid of dangers and leave this to God,” he said.

“Arrest warrants have been issued because I have not appeared in court…I will be ready to face the courts when I return.” He added: “I will react in accordance with what happens at the airport.”

“A third political alternative with an honest leadership is needed in Pakistan…so my return is important,” he added.

asma@khaleejtimes.com