Islamabad/London: Fearing arrest Pakistan’s former military ruler Pervez Musharraf on Friday decided not to return home from self-exile by this month end as promised, but said that he will take a decision after consultations with his party leaders.
Speaking at a press conference in Ilford, east of London, Musharraf said “I have to return no doubt whatsoever. My decision stands between the 27th and the 30th of January. My party leaders in Pakistan are looking at the implications of my return and will give me the recommendation whether to return or whether to postpone. I have not had any recommendations yet.”
The former military rule said he would fly to Dubai before going to Pakistan in any case. Earlier, in Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Saif, a spokesman of former President said, “Musharraf may not return to Pakistan this month.”
The announcement came as the government made it clear that the 68-year-old former General, who has been declared a fugitive by a court will be arrested on his return to Pakistan.
An arrest warrant is pending against him for his alleged failure to cooperate in the probe of assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto in 2007. Musharraf who left the country in 2009 is also an accused in the killing of Baloch nationalist leader Akbar Bugti in a military operation in August 2006. “Close friends are advising him against returning now,” Saif told reporters.
Leaders of Musharraf’s All Pakistan Muslim League told the media that he had delayed his plans to return to Pakistan later this month after consulting friends and party leaders. (PTI)