Musharraf hints at returning to Pak amid judiciary, executive tussle

LONDON - Amid the ongoing tussle between the executive and the judiciary in Pakistan, former President General Pervez Musharraf has hinted that he re-enter the country’s politics.

Addressing the Chatham House think-tank here, Musharraf said he would do anything for Pakistan, but added that it was for the people of Pakistan to decide whether they want him back or not.

“I love my country and I would do anything for Pakistan. However, it is for the people of Pakistan who need to decide,” The Daily Times quoted Musharraf, as saying.

“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,” Musharraf said.

Musharraf, however, did not comment on whether he is ready to face trial for ‘illegal’ detention of judges of superior judiciary after imposing an emergency in the country in 2007.

President Asif Ali Zardari’s decision to elevate the Lahore High Court chief justice as a Supreme Court judge, sidelining Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry’s recommendation has once again infuriated the higher judiciary, which has threatened to launch a massive campaign against the Presidency’

Musharraf, who is currently living in London on a self-announced exile, has expressed his desire to return back to Pakistan on several occassions. However, his close aides have advised him to delay his return, as the situation is not conducive.

Many believe that Musharraf is eyeing another stint in the country’s politics, and may launch a new party of his own.

Observers believe that the autocratic ruler is waiting for the right opportunity to announce his come back, but speculations are that he may never return, as he fears being put on trial for announcing an emergency in the state and disregarding the country’s constitution by dismissing the top judiciary in November 2007.

It may be noted that the Pakistan Supreme Court has held Musharraf an ‘equal beneficiary’ of the now defunct amnesty law, the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).

The apex court had also called Musharraf to be held accountable for giving shape to the controversial law. (ANI)