Pakistan’s Musharraf Says, Will Return To Country This Month

Islamabad, March 3, IRNA – The self-exiled former Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf announced that he would return to the country later this month to take part in parliamentary elections. Musharraf, the former Army Chief, had been living in exile in Britain and the United Arab Emirate since he resigned from his post in August 2008, fearing an impeachment by the parliament. He had previously announced on few occasions to end his exile but postponed the plan over concerns at his possible arrest in connection with the 2007 assassination of former Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto and several other cases. Musharraf announced his return at a press conference in Dubai, which was aired live by Pakistani television channels. He did not announce exact date for the return but said that will come back one week after the establishment of a caretaker government likely on March 16. The current assemblies will be dissolved on completion of five-year term and new elections will be held within two months./end