LAHORE – Terming PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif as thankless to benefactors and indifferent to the plight of masses, All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) President Pervez Musharraf on Sunday described his party as the third option to address the hardships faced by the people and reiterated that he was not afraid of returning to Pakistan.
He said that he would soon be among his countrymen after the re-organisation of his party and hopefully before the elections. Addressing his first video conference in Lahore, Musharraf, contrary to the reports that he would announce to end his self-exile, evaded to give an exact date of his return. But the gathering, held under tight security, could attract around 700 people only, mostly women stared by famous actress Atiqa Odho.
The APML chief said the incumbent leadership had nothing to do with the issues of the masses as they were busy in visiting the foreign countries for their medical treatment, thus showing their distrust in Pakistani doctors. He rejected the rumours that he was trying to meet Nawaz Sharif and said the PML-N chief had forgotten all the favours he did for him, including letting him fly to Saudi Arabia.
“Nawaz is used to reciprocate the favours with enmity and I never expect anything good from him,” he remarked. Making it clear that he never ever contacted Nawaz and would not do so in future as well, he said, “I am a brave man and if the country ever needed my life I will never hesitate to sacrifice it.” “I have face death a number of times and no one can deter me from returning to Pakistan to serve my country as I am committed to do something better for my countrymen.”
He stressed the need of introducing a new political culture in Pakistan and said the security and integrity of the country called for altering the status quo through the APML. Musharraf informed the audience that steps were being taken to organise the party across the country, which was necessary to rescue the dejected and disappointed nation from terrorism, inflation, corruption and unemployment.
The former president said the youth were desperate for a change and his party would provide a platform to them to play their role positively. The APML chief said the local government system proved as the best mechanism for political and economic development of the country and if given a chance, he would bring back the system in the country.
Earlier, other party leaders including Ch Shahbaz, Barrister Saif Ali Khan and Fawad Ch also addressed the meeting.