'Haven't quit politics', Musharraf clarifies after resigning as APML chair

Javed Hussain Published June 23, 2018

A day after resigning as the chairman of the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), Pervez Musharraf has clarified that he has not yet quit politics.

Musharraf, in a video message, said he had been planning to contest the upcoming general elections but wanted certain assurances, including that of not being arrested, the removal of lifetime disqualification and his name from the Exit Control List.

"If Khawaja Asif's lifetime disqualification can be overturned, why not mine," he asked. "If Nawaz Sharif has the freedom to move in and outside the country, why can I not have it."

The former president said that since those assurances were not given, he knew he could not do anything for his party or for himself and, therefore, after consultation with other APML leaders, he decided not to return to the country.

The former army chief said that the decision was taken because of legal issues and that he would continue to support the party he founded. He also said that his future plan of action would be announced as things unfold and assured his followers that things will take a turn for the better.

Moreover, he requested his party to support its new chairman, Dr Amjad Shoaib and Mehreen Malik Adam, who has been elevated to the position of secretary general.

Musharraf, who is facing a treason case among others, has not returned to the country since he left for Dubai in 2016 for medical treatment.

"I am a commando and I love my homeland," he had said before leaving. "I will be back in a few weeks or months."

The Supreme Court had recently allowed Musharraf to file his nomination papers and assured him that he would not be arrested conditional to him appearing before the court for a case, but he chose not to end his self-imposed exile.

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vigilant at every turn

Jun 23, 2018 01:17pm

We support those who fight for our sake both at the battlefield and at the political and diplomatic front .

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Jun 23, 2018 01:23pm

Musharraf made the right decision given the system of injustice in the motherland. While the system has been extremely lenient with the Sharif family, it has been wrongfully tough on Musharraf even though all cases against him are baseless - and not a single case of corruption

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Parvez

Jun 23, 2018 01:28pm

Doing politics sitting in Dubai ....... his credibility is zero.

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Kamran

Jun 23, 2018 01:48pm

Coward

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Furqan

Jun 23, 2018 01:56pm

When was he in Politics?

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Alla Ditta

Jun 23, 2018 02:11pm

Actually, you should have quit politics a long time ago.

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Awaz

Jun 23, 2018 02:23pm

Seeking "assurances" including not being arrested, Sir you are facing treason charges and you are expecting that no one will arrest you is a disregard for the existing legal system. Better option is to go through the legal process and get your named cleared.

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Peace lovers

Jun 23, 2018 02:41pm

Empty talks

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A Shah

Jun 23, 2018 02:45pm

The coward has no where to hide

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A Shah

Jun 23, 2018 02:47pm

Sir you sowed the seeds of Pakistan’s downfall and then like a coward ran away when it came to face to music. Ashamed of you sir.

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zeeshandxb

Jun 23, 2018 02:59pm

he needs to return back to country for his people and supporters. in 2013 the same issue was faced by him. he needs to return back and push back the court cases. what is the issue if they dont let him go out for sometime and he has to stay in is house. he needs to understand that time is of utter importance. his age is not on his side either.

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Sheraz Ali

Jun 23, 2018 03:47pm

You are living in self axile. I am not a supporter of NS or yours as well, no one ask you to leave and no one stop you to come back home.

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Zeeshan Hussain

Jun 23, 2018 03:56pm

this guy has zero shame left.. from the years of holding absolute power where he could trade people for money to the point where he is currently living off the Saudi charity. its no more 1999 Mr Musharraf!

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Ziyaad Khan

Jun 23, 2018 03:57pm

Sir, first come to Pakistan and then talk. No point in talking while in exile.

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M. Siddique

Jun 23, 2018 04:31pm

Was Musharaf in politics besides being a usurper of power?

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RAja Raman

Jun 23, 2018 04:36pm

It doesn't make any difference. Continue to make statements from Dubai and London....

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Prateik

Jun 23, 2018 04:37pm

In short, he will stay in limelight by passing comments.

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Sid

Jun 23, 2018 04:38pm

Musharraf was the best for Pakistan and India - he came closest to resolving the kashmir issue with BJP and no doubt if he had more time this issue would have been resolved.

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BhaRAT

Jun 23, 2018 04:39pm

Please Musharaf sahaab quit politics and enjoy your retirement life

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Haider

Jun 23, 2018 06:03pm

I wonder what makes Musharraf to give entry in politics. Mr. Musharraf has done whatever he wanted to do. Please take rest now.

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Jun 23, 2018 06:52pm

He does not have to quit politics. He is delusional thinking that he is in politics. No one takes him seriously.

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Habib A. Zuberi

Jun 23, 2018 06:57pm

He will be doing a service to his country if quits politics. He had his time and like the rest of them before him, he joins them. Let things move forward.

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Sami Uddin

Jun 23, 2018 07:25pm

It is a good decision He have to be rich and corrupt to be a politician which is not in his blood. He did alot to Pakistan Don't know if we can see those golden days again. Since he has gone things are worsening

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Ahsan Gul

Jun 23, 2018 07:30pm

One question for our leaders and politicians. I know you all love Pakistan and there’s no doubts about it then why do you have properties and big bank accounts in foreign countries. Is Pakistan not good enough for your business and investment? Mr. Mushraff go ahead and prove that in servic you did not just order juniors to carry out tasks behind the desk but you were part of them. Return to Pakistan and prove all wrong.

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Bupi

Jun 23, 2018 08:21pm

Grapes are sour nothing else.

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WASEEM MALIK

Jun 23, 2018 08:38pm

Long live Musharraf.

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iBS

Jun 23, 2018 09:17pm

Love him or hate him. The prosperity he got to the country during his tenure has not been seen in the last decade since he left power.

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Dr Ibrahim

Jun 23, 2018 09:27pm

After (Late) Field Marshal Ayub Khan, General (Retd) Parwez Musharraf was the best military leader Pakistan ever had. We are quick to use words like coward, etc, but look at where Pakistan is today, under the leadership of corrupt civilians. Those of us, who look at the big picture, salute Gen Musharraf, for what he did for the nation, during his seven years in power.

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Dr. Abdul Basit

Jun 24, 2018 02:20am

General Pervaiz Musharaf was never a politician.

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Tanweer

Jun 24, 2018 12:48pm

Mr. Pervaiz Musharaf, Shame on you, you have put the Pakistani Military's name in the bad books of Pakistani Civilians. You too looted Pakistan and ripped Pakistani's with un-lawfull accumulation of Wealth. Today you are out of the country hiding away from the country men and the Nation.

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