Musharraf says his party is prepared for early Pak polls

DUBAI - Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said his newly formed party is prepared for possible early elections.

His comments came at a time when the federal government in Islamabad is scrambling to save its ruling coalition, following its key ally Muttaheda Qaumi Movement’s decision to sit on opposition benches in parliament.

Musharraf, who launched the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) in October 2010, said he would return to Pakistan “before the next election”.

“We are ready to contest elections,” the Daily Times quoted him, as telling reporters at his apartment in Dubai.

“A little more time would be useful as we are a new party. However, we will definitely try if the elections come early,” the APML leader added.

Earlier, Musharraf had announced that he had a good chance of winning the next presidential election due in 2013, and he would return to his country before that to “introduce a new political culture,” though he recognised that on his return, he would have to face some legal cases and also that there would be danger to his life.

The former military chief reiterated: “I must return (to Pakistan) well before the next elections, whenever that may be.” (ANI)