The move comes as part of efforts to support the Climate Neutrality 2050 initiative
transport2 hours ago
Making the announcement barely weeks before March 16 when assemblies are expected to be dissolved and a caretaker government appointed to oversee the general elections, Musharraf did not give a specific date but said he was ready to face the courts.
“It is now or never,” he told a news conference.
Last year, the self-exiled 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.
“A third political alternative with an honest leadership is needed in Pakistan … so my return is important,” he said. Musharraf faces 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 all the cases.”
“Should I be arrested for constructing roads, giving a boost to agriculture and telecoms and improving women’s rights?...If so, then I am ready to face the courts.”
The chief of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) also said that his party would contest from all provinces of Pakistan but demanded unqualified candidates should not be allowed to contest.
“Under article 62/63 of the Pakistan constitution, all those not qualified should not be allowed to contest the elections,” he said. He also said that he had great support from Pakistanis both abroad and in Pakistan. “I have nearly 700,000 followers on Facebook and 85 per cent of them are from Pakistan,” he said.
On his party’s lack of popularity in the current election scenario, Musharraf said: “When I come, I will be travelling all over the country and in Pakistan it is not difficult to hold rallies.”
He also hinted at joining hands with other political parties but denied that his return was a result of any deal.
Musharraf also said that in 2014 the US coalition forces would be leaving Afghanistan which may result in a fallout for Pakistan.
“Pakistan is engulfed in problems and as we are not strong internally, we will face more problems,” he added.
The ex-president spoke about the current socio-economic problems facing the country in the form of terrorism related to religion.
“Look at the cases of Malala and the killings of Hazaras in Quetta. What we need right now is an honest and sincere leadership.”
He said that the way forward for Pakistan was to focus on internal stability, regional peace, international acceptance and the role of Muslims in socio-economic development of the country.
“Pakistan has an important role ... it is not just a small and unimportant country,” he added.
The move comes as part of efforts to support the Climate Neutrality 2050 initiative
transport2 hours ago
Civil defence authorities have yet to issue a statement on the cause of the fire
uae2 hours ago
Sales of under-construction properties surged to 60% of total transactions in July 2024, a year-on-year spike of 49%
columnists2 hours ago
It was a methane gas explosion in two blocks of the mine and 69 workers were there at the time
world2 hours ago
The Road to the Finale: Let's look at how 14 events shaped this season’s top teams - Legion XIII, Ripper GC, 4Aces GC (10th seed) and Iron Heads GC
sports2 hours ago
Chasing a mammoth 515 victory target, Bangladesh were all out for 234
cricket2 hours ago
People of determination have access to several benefits such as free parking, exemption from Salik toll fees, modified taxis
uae3 hours ago
If a signature was forged intentionally or maliciously, legal action can be taken to recover the amount owed under the law
legal4 hours ago