Musharraf likely to contest 2018 general elections

DUBAI: Former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf is likely to contest the 2018 general elections, he revealed during an exclusive interview with WION (World Is One News). The former Army chief stressed on the need to “create a third political force” to “introduce better practical democracy”.

“Yes, I am looking to relaunch my political career,” he said.

Pervez Musharraf begins career as political analyst on TV
Musharraf, however, said he was not keen on becoming the prime minister of Pakistan. “I want to create a political force. A third political force. But not necessarily be the next prime minister,” said the former president.

“There are many good people who can run Pakistan,” said Musharraf. “I would like to contribute by using all my experience to guide someone who is good.”

Denying any sort of criticism over his plans to join either Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) or Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Musharraf said his earlier decision to join them was something the country needed at the time to eliminate corruption and nepotism.

“It didn’t come under criticism. I think, that was the call of the day. I think the requirement of a third political force that I am talking of needs combination or joining alliances of like-minded people, who see Pakistan in an enlightened and progressive way.”

Musharraf seeks security as he plans return to Pakistan

Hafiz Saeed is an issue in India, not in the US

Referring to Hafiz Saeed’s house arrest, Musharraf said, “Let me surprise you. The Hafiz Saeed issue is an issue in India, not in the United States.”

“They maybe talk about Haqqani and Shakil Afridi… they don’t talk about Hafiz Saeed, only India keeps talking about him,” he said while talking of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

“I don’t think Saeed was behind the 26/11 attacks. In Pakistan, we don’t call him a terrorist,” said Musharraf.

In January this year, the government ordered for Saeed to be placed under house arrest, said Yahya Mujahid, the Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) spokesperson. Police arrived at the organisation’s headquarters in Lahore with orders to place him under house arrest, confirmed Yahya.

JuD chief Hafiz Saeed put under house arrest

Saeed’s continued freedom has been a source of prolonged friction between Pakistan and its longtime foe India as well as the United States. “These steps are being taken to please India,” Mujahid said.

Referring to the current relations between Pakistan and India, Musharraf said, “If the current prime minister of India [Narendra Modi] wants peace, he is in the best position to go for peace with Pakistan. But he doesn’t want it.”