Pakistan's General Musharraf plots return from exile

Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan's former military ruler, is plotting a return from exile in London to launch a new political party despite threats he will face criminal trial.

Pervez Musharraf has said he would be prepared to return to office in Pakistan

General Musharraf seized power in a bloodless coup in 1999 and stood down as president after losing elections nine years later.
His planned return will draw comparisons to the return of Benazir Bhutto, the country's former prime minister who ended her own self-imposed exile in 2008 only to be killed in a suicide attack weeks later as she left a rally in Rawalpindi.

A close aide in Islamabad said supporters had begun the process of registering a new political party, the All Pakistan Muslim League.

Mohammad Ali Saif, a lawyer who served as a minister under the military ruler, said he would act as leader of the party until Mr Musharraf, 67, was ready to return.

"When he decides to come back he will come back. We are already working on his behalf. He left voluntarily so he can come back any time he chooses," said Mr Saif.

Allies of Mr Musharraf are being investigated in Pakistan for their role in the assassination of Ms Bhutto.

A United Nations report published earlier this month concluded her death could have been prevented had Mr Musharraf's government not failed in its duties.

Before returning, Ms Bhutto had said she feared him more than any other threat.

The government of Asif Ali Zardari, Ms Bhutto's widower, says it wants to question the former dictator over her death.

Pakistan police have also registered a case against Mr Musharraf that could see him tried for detaining judges in 2007 as he tried to cling to power.

However, Mr Saif said the threat of assassination by Islamists or of prosecution would not prevent his return although no date had yet been set.

"There are accusations but they are politically motivated and without foundation," he said.

President Zardari has struggled to make himself popular in a nation facing the twin threats of economic crisis and Islamic militants.

Electricity shortages have already provoked violent demonstrations which are expected to intensify as summer approaches.

Mr Musharraf hinted at a return during an interview in February.

"Every Pakistani – every patriotic Pakistani – feels it in his heart and I also do that at this moment Pakistan is not doing very well," he said. "So if I can contribute anything to the country and if the people of Pakistan want me to contribute, I certainly would want to look into that."