Pakistan

Musharraf claims he can return to Presidency

The retired army general said that he would form a new party and stand for parliament in the next general elections.

September 11, 2010

Former President Pervez Musharraf claims he can become the President of the country once again, though he also fears that returning to Pakistan can be risky.

The retired army general told the BBC that he would form a new political party and stand for parliament in the next general elections in 2013.

Musharraf said he was aware of the risks involved if he returned to Pakistan, but still wants to return to restore the country's self-confidence.

Musharraf, who lives in self-exile in London, says he is not scared of possible legal cases against him and insists that he has to try to lift Pakistan out of, what he terms, a ‘pathetic situation.’

The former President also understands that his popularity has waned says it is still strong among the majority of Pakistanis who do not vote.

He says the time to introduce a new political culture in Pakistan has come, and this will take Pakistan forward on the right democratic path, not on an artificial, make-believe democratic path.

COMMENTS (28)

Rizwan Moazzam | 14 years ago | Reply m just waiting for the time when Mr. Musharraf comes back as a president. I like his Leader ship, in His time our country was having an excellent economical position and the business was increased a lot. Pakistan actually need a politician like General Musharraf. And also m waitng for miracle when Zardari finished his presodency and the black marketing. Please Mr. Musharraf try to come as soon as possible PAKISTAN NEEDS YOU BADLY PERVAIZ MUSHARRAF ZINDABAAD PAKISTAN PAINDAABAD

asad hoodbhoy | 14 years ago | Reply this leader is one of the best leaders pakistan has seen,prices where low in his time period,some essence of security was coming back,economy and foreign relations were prospering we need you to bring this country back to order pakistan will one day rise as a world power and some of the pessimist comments here that say that pakistan is beyond repair will one day see how pakistan will rise pakistan zindabad

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syed husnainbokhari | 14 years ago | Reply plzz Musharaf saab cm back as soon as pasible Pakistan realy needs u. evry one vl undrstand ur importance in politics evry one vll wd u Bst of luck cosidr me as a member of ur party almost 90% kashmiri peoples love u due to that u did in earthquack for thm the best example is sesion of AJK assembly of 7th oct in which PML(N) made a resolotion against u bt asembly rejected it completly.

Anwar Ajmal | 14 years ago | Reply At the moment the circumstances are not conducive for President Musharraf to step in pakistan.In my land every where there is unrest.Mehngaie(high prices),loot mar and target killing is uncontrollable.Weak Governess created lawlessness,which is disappointment.Let watch the political stability and then something is considerable.

Abdul Rahman Khan | 14 years ago | Reply General Musharraf is being misguided to plunge into the muddy water of pakistani politics. He was an all-powerful ruler for nine years. He wouldn't enjoy such powers again even if he succeeds to become president or prime minister. Instead of taking part in the active politics he shouild limit his activities to drawing room politics and guide the nation from there.

jai | 14 years ago | Reply A general who engineered a coup to overthrow Democracy talking about the right kind of Democracy. Classic! It happens only in Pakistan.

Hamza Malik | 14 years ago | Reply I'm rooting for Angelina Jolie to become the next President of Pakistan. In fact, I've penned down ten reasons why she should become President and not Musharraf with his fake dramas, and Zardari with his ineptitude. Just follow this link: http://www.thetrueperspective.com/2010/09/ten-reasons-to-make-angelina-jolie-our.html

samina | 14 years ago | Reply we must learn from past experience, never to bring back a president twice. 'once bitten twice shy'

Bharat Sanghvi | 14 years ago | Reply Mr. President, How much did you contribute the current conditions in Pakistan. Who turned Pakistan into a terrorist State? Are you capable to deal with imams and jihadees? Pakistan's future has been ruined by military leadership and corruption. You ought to know that it is beyond repair. Enjoy your life in London.

Bharat Sanghvi | 14 years ago | Reply Mr. President, you describe the situation in Pakistan as pathetic. How much did you contribute to it? Why did you allow your country to be a terrorist State?

Nadeem Khattak | 14 years ago | Reply Its hard to believe that people still want Musharraf to take control even though he was in charge of the country for nine long years. I fail to understand how a country can be a developing tiger for nine years and then become a failed state suddenly at the departure of the zoo keeper! Needless to say that there was no real development in Pakistan for Musharraf's nine years. Shaukat Aziz's artificial stimulus to the economy during that period in the form of property mortgages, car leases, manipulated stock exchanges and the currency business were only temporary measures meant to keep things going. Don't forget Pakistan did not add a single entity to its manufacturing or services sector in Musharraf's era. All the money that we saw was either flowing in the country as aid from the west to combat terrorism or investments thrown in by misled investors who were made to believe that Pakistan was on its way to becoming the next Asian tiger. How long can you trick the outside world? The truth was bound to come out, even if Musharraf had stayed a couple of years longer. This was an unsustainable economy and I'm sure any student of economics can tell you that you have to produce to prosper. Yes, Musharraf's governance may have been a little better than the present government,...but why why why him again. He had nine years to show something. Since he did not deliver the real stuff and since Pakistan is in the doldrums as soon as he left, any progress attained was inflated and unsustainable. If lack of security in the country was his handicap, it is an even bigger handicap right now. So why are we criticizing the present government? If all politicians are evil and if voting for lesser of the evil is the solution to democracy, my vote in the next general elections is reserved for Imran Khan who has genuine material accomplishments for this country. I hope people can remove the blindfolds off their eyes and give Imran a chance to show what he can do, rather than bringing back the old horses.

Malik Tabeer | 14 years ago | Reply hats off to you sir!! and to your dedication with sincerety.. we never had good leader in fact any leadership after quaid-e-azam and liaquat ali khan..you have taken place in the hearts of people of pakistan from the first day with your words "sab se pahle pakistan"!!please come back and punish these criminals running the country with such disgrace..pakistan surely and desperately need such a true leader like you!!

S. Tayyab Raza Shah | 14 years ago | Reply We wellcome the availability of a visionary leader no matter if he is from army. If he can change the pathatic condition of the country then nobody will like to deny that every body wants to improve the condition and that can only be possible if he or she is assisted by the people at Large. Here I would like to add that those culprits who have done nothing should be sent back to their homes . Each and every person should be asked to give a detailed note of achievements during their sojurn in Govt hold any chair of portfolio. If they have achieved certain objectives which were aimed in welfare of the country then a list should be prepared and later on when a new govt is fomed out of election then the ministry should be decided on the basis of achievements and not on bradari system.

Kamran Khan | 14 years ago | Reply sir plz come back.all pakistani nation is with you.

Yousaf | 14 years ago | Reply @Nosheen - Baluchistan is not barred part of Pakistan...please do some research or atleast google to understand what Musharraf has done or how much he has invested in Baluchistan during his tenure. Operation against Bugti was in favour of People of Baluchistan and Pakistan. We are slowly moving from Slavery to Freedom. Few more years, and some good operations against Sardar will lead the real freedom of Baluchistan. Only issue in Baluchistan is opportunity - which people do not have due to poverty & stranglehold of Sardars. Ultimately, we should find alternative leadership, if you anyone better than Musharraf or atleast better than the present senseless uncaring politicians, vote for him. and Yes.. @Qamar has summed up everything very nicesly and one has to compare these points one should understand how it will go in future. Regards,

Nosheen | 14 years ago | Reply Qamar Sahib has summed up all the qualities that Musharraf has as a future messiah. I recall Ayub Khan as the first messiah with exact same qualities. He was wise enough to set the process in motion which got rid of the useless Bengalis and create a neat Pakistan. Musarraf too may further complete this kind of vision, which he initiated during his previous tenure, and make Pakistan even more compact by getting rid of the barren part of the country called Baluchistan.

Qamar | 14 years ago | Reply Strengths: 1. Grass root level politics (nazim & Naib Nazim) 2. Install essence of democracy 1. 3. Freedom of speech 4. media revolution 5. telecommunication revolution 6. All time high economy 7. better job environment 8. High investments 9. Higher education commission 10. National commission for human development 11. youth parliament 12. youth convention 13. earth quake rehabilitation 14. At least he stopped getting money whereas zardari still keep going 15. Foreign Policy is successful (w.r.t India and Afghanistan, Kashmir) Weakness: (more national security matters) 1. Laal masjid operation 2. Bugti operation 3. fighting america's war 4. induct politicians again...in the system 5. Judiciary crisis 6. made banker a P.Minister (who knows how to do corruption 7. instead of all capabilities didn't make kala bagh dam 8. pressurized very soon, showed sudden reaction and make bad decisions 9. military mindset Opportunities: 10. we need new leadership (alternative leadership) 11. he has some good technocrats 12. understands the problem well and have an ability to address 13. his government will have a greater credibility as he is good statesman 14. Solve the problem of Kashmir (no matter how deep the bargaining would be) 15.China, Saudia and Arab Emirates will again trust his government unlike this govt 15. he knows the pulse of America.. 16. all out accountability of all powerful people should be done Threats: 17. His govt will not under democratic setup 18. trade will effect as common wealth countries didn't deal with it 19. crack down against extremism has equal and opposite reaction 20. Failed to deliver as this time he wouldnt have military support

Sultan | 14 years ago | Reply Wooh. Great news. This news is the best gift at Eid for the people of Pakistan who have already suffered too much in hands of PML-N and PPP. It means we can now keep our hopes alive for Pakistan. At least we have someone who is not hypocrite, speaks truth and has the vision and abilities to lead and represent Pakistan.

Dr. Mohammad Ilyas | 14 years ago | Reply @Syed A. Mateen. You tried to put all your negativity, but could not specify even a single point that could go against Musharraf. This again goes in favor of Musharraf Sahib because Musharraf’s opponents having nothing against him? Musharraf Sahib you are most welcome and forgive us for our mistake for being not able to give you the respect that you deserved. The political environment is changing fast. In every corner people have started to remember your era for economic growth, peace and prosperity that you gave to the nation. God bless you. Long live Musharraf. Pakistan first.

Dr. Saleem Siddiqi | 14 years ago | Reply Reference R. Mateen's message. It seems you are putting Cart before the Horse. You cannot expect to clean up the mess in one day created by this corrupt Politicians. Cleansing needs time and devotion. Where there will be peace only than, Industry and manufacturing industies will grow in the country which will eventually help generation of employment avenues. Tell me who is not supporting war against terror in this country. Beside PPP, PML-N NS openly meets US Ambassador and other Military Junta whenever they visit Pakistan. Thus blaming Musharaf for supporting war on terror is not justified. I am sure masses are with Musharaf and he tends to do much as he has high spirit to work re-building Pakistan. We must give him a fair chance to do this cleansing. Regards Dr. Saleem Siddiqi

I Salim | 14 years ago | Reply Musharraf should return and introduce his 2 cents. Whether he wins or loses is irrelevant. His participation will at the very least force the hands of the old noora-kushti players to reinvent themselves or face extinction. With Imran Khan, Musharraf, Altaf, et al a new political atmosphere will emerge for the better pushing the old into sunset. From that perspective i support Musharraf's return to Pakistan.. Brooklyn, NY

Sultan Ahmed. | 14 years ago | Reply First member of your party, register me formally.

Sultan Ahmed. | 14 years ago | Reply Without you Pakistan has become a burning hell for poor people who want to pass their life with respect. Crime rate is approaching to red sign. Now looks no stability and integrity of the country in the near future. Insurgents are playing with life of innocent common man but politician has become friendly with them. money has been plundering by them,they are building new palaces and private aircraft,knowing country is moving to the brink.

Malik Tabeer | 14 years ago | Reply Wah Real leader stand always with their nation when ever they needed doesn't matter they are ruling are not Best of Luck President musharraf Bohat Kho Chuka Hun Ab Khoney Ki Taqat Nehi Mujh Me YA RABB.......Yeh Jo KUch Log Mere Hyn Unhe Mera He Rehney Dey

hassan | 14 years ago | Reply SAB say PEHLAY PAKISTAN Inshallah this day will come.

jay | 14 years ago | Reply i would rally for him in the streets!

Syed A. Mateen | 14 years ago | Reply Musharraf Sahib - Try your luck. But before returning to Pakistan you must consult with some good Jotishi so that he should tell you exactly when your good period in Pakistan will begin. I do not see any difference between the Film Hero’s and the Politicians who earn their bread and butter by working in various films. Similarly, one by one politicians come on the big screen, play their role, earn money from the people and then they go abroad in self exile and wait for their next turn to rule the country. What PPP, PML(N) has given to the people during their tenures and what Musharraf Sahib will give to the nation if he is elected again for the Presidency. During your tenure any one who wanted to meet you was supposed to put off his shoes due to security reasons, what will be the drill for the next time? Will the gates of President be open for the general public to lodge their complaints with the President if their jobs are not done? Will you give employment to the unemployed youth who have degrees which is just a piece of paper for them without employment? Will you be able to stop the drone attacks on Pakistan when you were the one who joined George W. Bush in fighting US war against terror in Pakistan. The consequences you have seen that after your exit from the government, there is no single day when suicide attacks are not conducted on the innocent civilians? When people do not die due to lack of basic facilities which you were suppose to give them during your first tenure. Will it be a right decision to impose confidence once again on a person who could not help out the poor masses at the time when they urgently needed your support? Time has changed. People of Pakistan have more political acumen then the politicians of the country. They are not going to be trapped another time. Are you ready to sign your resignation and hand over the same to people of Pakistan before you take oath for the second time as President of Pakistan?

Dr. Saleem | 14 years ago | Reply This is really a welcomed news. He is and will be widely welcomed as masses will support an honest and spotless person. The best thing in my opinion he has done to break the schackle of IMF and was taking the Country into self-reliance and industrial growth. I cannot forget low Rupee-Dollar parity, sound economy, excellent growth rate, elimination of powerty steps, Booming Stock Exchange, etc etc. He will be welomed to get rid of these greedy politicians for keeping their personal first before the national interese. We will support Musharaff's slogan - SAB SAY PEHLAY PAKISTAN. Regards Dr. Saleem Siddiqi Qatar [Presently visiting Karachi]

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