Former president Pervez Musharraf is not quite sure about his return to Pakistan as he can be arrested at the airport or meet with the same fate as that of slain PPP chairwoman Benazir Bhutto who was assassinated in 2008, Pakistan Today learnt on Wednesday.
His close aides said they had advised him not to come to Pakistan at this juncture as he would not be able to get full security. On condition of anonymity, they said they were in contact with the former president, adding that they had told Musharraf that forces that had always been supportive towards him were not in a position to defend him as they themselves were facing a very critical situation.
Likewise, Musharraf had not a solid political base and followers so it would be unwise of him to come to Pakistan under such circumstances, they added.
According to these aides, though the MQM and Musharraf were considered good friends, but serious life threats exist as terrorists and the Baloch have already announced reward for his killer (s).
Other sources claim that he would not be able to play an effective and decisive role in the changed electoral scenario so he was being directed to stay away from the present political fighting. They added it was not the right time for his return to Pakistan. He needed to ensure his security and then emerge on the country’s political scene. The aides said further the former president was not in a position to challenge his rivals so it was better for him to live abroad and wait for right time.
They also said Musharraf had played no role in the current electoral battle and he was yet to jump into the fray. He has no solid political base and committed followers who could take to streets in case the government decided to take action against him, they said.
Sources also indicated that the former president has been playing on a weakest wicket, adding that his arrival would have no impact on the country’s politics. The only plus point of Musharraf’s return would exert an extra pressure on the Sharifs whose government was overthrown by Musharraf in 1999.
Musharraf not sure of his return?
