WASHINGTON: Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf said Thursday he planned to return from exile and re-enter politics, and did not rule out a new bid for the presidency.
Musharraf, who has mostly lived in London since losing power following 2008 elections, visited Washington this week and met quietly with prominent Pakistanis at a ritzy hotel to discuss his future plans.
In an interview with CNN, Musharraf said he intended to return to politics, although he was coy when asked about the time-frame.
“I certainly am planning to go back to Pakistan and also join politics. The question already of whether I am running for president or prime minister will be seen later,” he said.
Officials in Pakistan earlier said Musharraf had applied to register a new party with electoral authorities, setting the stage for a political comeback.
“There are security issues. Maybe my wife and my family is more worried than I am but there are security issues which one needs to take into consideration and that is why I'm not laying down any dates for my return,” he said.
“But I do intend launching and declaring my intentions formally, sooner than later,” he said.
But Musharraf could face a criminal trial if he returns to Pakistan for detaining judges in 2007 as he attempted to cling to power.
Musharraf is also wanted for questioning over allegations in a UN-led investigation that he could have done more to prevent the December 2007 assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
Musharraf disagreed with the UN report, saying, “I think all the security was provided” to Bhutto.
“In fact, it was me who warned her about the threat to her,” Musharraf said.
Musharraf said he had previously stopped Bhutto from going to the venue where she was later killed.
“A lot of political aspersions were cast on me that her movements are being restricted. But she decided to go again,” Musharraf said.
Musharraf said that he fully supported the military campaign ordered by Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in the lawl
