Musharraf hints at return to Pakistan politics

LONDON (AFP) – Former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf hinted at a return to politics in his homeland on Monday, saying he would “do anything for Pakistan” but the voters there must decide.

“I love my country and I would do anything for Pakistan,” the retired general, who was replaced last year in elections after nine years as president, told a meeting at the Chatham House think-tank in London.

He added: “For Pakistan one would be prepared to do anything. However, it is for the people of Pakistan who need to decide.”

Musharraf joked that, “I’m a civilian now, I’m not a military man, I cannot take over anything,” a reference to his seizure of power, while army chief, from elected prime minister Nawaz Sharif in 1999.

“I have to come through the political process, through the process of elections. But I think it’s very good — it’s very good because I think I will have that legitimacy which I never had,” he said.

Musharraf did not say if he has decided to return to Pakistan to face trial over his 2007 detention of judges as he attempted to cling to power.

He had imposed a state of emergency and sacked about 60 judges on November 3, 2007 when the Supreme Court appeared poised to declare him ineligible to contest a presidential election while in military uniform.

Source: Yahoo News

Monday’s Connector of the Day: Pervez Musharraf

Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf is becoming one of the biggest stars in Facebook.

His personal Facebook page has more than 127,000 fans and he regularly answers questions and posts status updates.

Musharraf swept to power in 1999 in a bloodless coup, removing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and appointing himself president in 2001, while remaining the head of the military.

Considered an ally by the United States in the fight against Islamic extremists in the region, he was criticized for impeding democratic elections in 2008 – including delaying the elections, suspending the country’s constitution, restricting the media and having political protesters arrested.

Ultimately, the pro-Musharraf party – Muslim League-Q – finished third in the voting and he stepped down only after the ruling coalition announced it would seek to impeach him.

Musharraf, speaking on CNN’s “Fareed Zakaria GPS” last May, said he wishes the current government well and that he “would be the happiest person” if the nation deals well with threats such as the growing political and martial strength of the Taliban.

We want to know what you think. What would you like to ask the former Pakistani leader?

Pervez Musharraf: Answering Your Top 3 Questions – IV

Question: Which political organization supports your vision?

Answer: Pasdar-e-Pakistan is a grassroots organization of my supporters. The Pasdars have been holding seminars, conventions, press conferences and public demonstrations on issues of national concern. They are engaged in building support all over Pakistan and beyond. As this organization expands its membership of registered supporters, I urge you to offer your support to it. For further information, please contact: info@pasdar-e-pakistan.org

Phone: +92 51 2814270

Or visit: www.pasdar-e-pakistan.org

http://www.facebook.com/notes/pervez-musharraf/answering-your-top-3-questions-iv/287905669338