‘No risk, no gain’: Musharraf says will return home before polls
I have not set any date as yet because no date has been fixed for the elections, says Musharraf.
He said he would go to the court on his return in compliance with its order. PHOTO: AFP/ FILE
NEW YORK:
Former President Pervez Musharraf said Saturday that he would return home some two and a half months before the forthcoming elections to breathe new life into his party - the All Pakistan Muslim League to boost it electoral chances.
Addressing a public meeting here in the hall of Soundview Broadcasting, APML chief said that he was convinced the people of Pakistan were ready for a political change and he would play his role in this regard.
Musharraf had pledged last year to end his self-imposed exile and fly back to Pakistan, but then postponed his return citing security threats. At a press conference afterwards, Musharraf was pressed by journalists to give an exact date of his return to Pakistan.
“I have not set any date as yet because no date has been fixed for the elections (which are expected to be held in May),” he said. When told that he could be arrested on his return to Pakistan, Musharraf said that his arrest warrants stemmed from his non-appearance in a Pakistani court to face the charges levelled against him.
He said he would go to the court on his return in compliance with its order.
“No risk, no gain,” Musharraf said when asked why he was risking his life by deciding to return to Pakistan. “I have no enmity with anyone, but I have love for Pakistan”, he added. Musharraf devoted his speech to defending his record in office, claiming Pakistan had recorded all-round progress.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 28th, 2013.
Former President Pervez Musharraf said Saturday that he would return home some two and a half months before the forthcoming elections to breathe new life into his party - the All Pakistan Muslim League to boost it electoral chances.
Addressing a public meeting here in the hall of Soundview Broadcasting, APML chief said that he was convinced the people of Pakistan were ready for a political change and he would play his role in this regard.
Musharraf had pledged last year to end his self-imposed exile and fly back to Pakistan, but then postponed his return citing security threats. At a press conference afterwards, Musharraf was pressed by journalists to give an exact date of his return to Pakistan.
“I have not set any date as yet because no date has been fixed for the elections (which are expected to be held in May),” he said. When told that he could be arrested on his return to Pakistan, Musharraf said that his arrest warrants stemmed from his non-appearance in a Pakistani court to face the charges levelled against him.
He said he would go to the court on his return in compliance with its order.
“No risk, no gain,” Musharraf said when asked why he was risking his life by deciding to return to Pakistan. “I have no enmity with anyone, but I have love for Pakistan”, he added. Musharraf devoted his speech to defending his record in office, claiming Pakistan had recorded all-round progress.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 28th, 2013.