Musharraf pledges to return to Pak despite threats to life

Rezaul H Laskar
Islamabad, Apr 18 (PTI) Former military ruler Pervez
Musharraf has pledged to return to Pakistan despite threats to
his life from the Taliban and other extremist groups, saying
he is not afraid of anyone except God.
In a video address to workers of his new All Pakistan
Muslim League (APML) party in Lahore, Musharraf said he had
seen death from close quarters several times and was ready to
face any contingency.
He said no one could harass or cause any damage to
him.
"I will be with you soon if you promise to show the
same zeal and fervour at the time I land at Lahore airport,"
Musharraf said during the meeting Sunday night as his
supporters shouted slogans.
Venue of the meet was decorated with banners and
portraits of the former military ruler, who has been living in
self-exile in London since 2009.
Referring to threats he might face on his return from
the Taliban and other militant groups, Musharraf said he had
already survived several attacks and was not afraid of them.
He linked his return to the organisation of the APML
and announced the opening of the party's office in Lahore.
"I have faced death a number of times and no one can
deter me from coming back to the country to serve it as I am
committed to doing something better for my countrymen," he
said.
Musharraf, who quit as President in 2008 to avoid
being impeached by the Pakistan People's Party-led government,
recently formed the APML with an eye on contesting the 2013
general election.
He has vowed to come back to Pakistan on several
occasions but is yet to set a date for his return.
The former President chose the city of his arch-rival,
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief Nawaz Sharif, for his
latest effort aimed at boosting his political career.
However, the APML convention did not attract more than
a few thousand people.
Musharraf claimed the youth were with him and the APML
could become a "third option" for voters.
He also accused former premier Nawaz Sharif of always
targeting his benefactors. He rejected as rumours reports that
he was trying to approach Sharif and said it would be below
his dignity to contact an "opportunist".
He added: "I’ve never contacted Nawaz nor will I do so
in future."
However, he hinted that the APML could look for
support from "like-minded parties".
Musharraf urged the country to gear up for change,
saying there was a need to introduce a new political culture
to end the prevailing disappointment among the people.
Such a change could be brought about only by the APML,
he contended.