KARACHI: Former president and chief of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) retired Gen Pervez Musharraf on Monday predicted that result from the next general elections would almost be similar to what was in 2013 because political parties — other than the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N and the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party — were campaigning without enough planning.

Addressing party workers in London, he expressed agreement with Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan on his views against the PML-N and PPP but criticised his strategy to counter the two parties. He said that with the current planning the PTI would not be able even to maintain its ruling position in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“There are strong chances that PML-N can win the 2018 polls in KP as well,” he said. “You [PTI] would not be able to retain your position in your own province. I appreciate your thought and I support your target. But your strategy and planning are not effective. With this there would be no change even in 2018 elections.”

Says Pakistan’s sovereignty is under threat under Nawaz govt

He claimed that Pakistan’s sovereignty was under threat under the Nawaz Sharif government and the country badly needed a political force which could replace the two conventional ruling parties. He alleged that the PML-N and PPP over the past 10 years had compromised the country’s national security and economic growth.

The former military dictator is staying in London these days. He left for Dubai more than a year ago hours after the interior ministry removed his name from the exit control list.

During a TV show in Dece­mber 2016, Gen Musharraf, facing courts over treason charges, claimed to have support of the then army chief Gen Raheel Sharif who facilitated his exit from the country.

“The good thing is that everybody wants change but the problem is that nobody gives a roadmap and plan to achieve that target,” he said in his speech.

“The time is running out. We need to move fast, otherwise the PML-N and PPP would win again and further deteriorate the country.”

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2017