Mush to make a political comeback

“A time has come in Pakistan when we need to introduce a new political culture, a culture which can take Pakistan forward on a democratic path, on a correct democratic path, not on an artificial, make-believe democratic path,” the BBC News quoted him as saying.

Musharraf, who now lives in London, confirmed that he was forming a new political party in the wake of his plans to return to politics in the country, and would be standing for a seat in the next Parliament, hoping to become either prime minister or president.

When asked if he was confident of becoming the country’s next President, he replied, “I can’t be sure of becoming President again but I believe there is a good chance of my winning,” he said. Musharraf added that he believed “very strongly that it’s better to try and fail rather than not try and go down without trying.”

Replying to a question whether he had already got a chance and now it was time to let others have an opportunity to lead, the retired general pointed out that last time he lacked legitimacy in international community because he was in uniform.

Commenting on his low standing in the opinion polls, he claimed that his popularity was increasing, and the opinion polls could be manipulated. Musharraf recognised that on his return to Pakistan, he would have to face some legal cases and also that there would be danger to his life.

Several cases are pending against Musharraf in courts across Pakistan, and the UN enquiry commission’s report also held his regime responsible for the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in December 2007.