Thaindian News

Lahore, Aug 9 (ANI): In what can be seen as a setback for former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf’s political ambitions, sources have said that the guarantors of his ’safe and honourable exit’ would not let him breach the commitment he had made.

Under the tacit understanding between the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Musharraf, the PPP would not take any action or let anyone take action against him, and in return the former President would lead a retired life and would not take part in politics.

A source in the government said that the reports of Musharraf’s return in the near future were just wishful thinking, as neither the political government nor the establishment would let it happen.

Another source said that the extension of Army Chief General Ashfaq Kayani has further diminished Musharraf’s chances, as he was the main guarantor of the former President’s safe exit, The Nation reports.

It is also claimed that it was because of Kayani that Musharraf was given a guard of honour when he stepped down as the President.

The sources added that unless the military establishment supports Musharraf, his return would remain a far cry, and at the same time it would not be possible for him to run the newly formed political party sitting abroad.

Earlier, it was reported that Musharraf will announce the manifesto of his All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) party, as well as the date of his return in September.

APML Chief Coordinator Chaudhry Shahbaz had said that Musharraf would face all charges against him, adding that the government is even free to probe Nawab Akbar Bugti’s assassination and the Lal Mosque carnage.

Shahbaz also disclosed that his party had been in touch with the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leaders for the last three months for a possible unification, and said that both the factions would soon assemble on a platform.

Reports regarding Musharraf’s return have been doing rounds in the media for a long time now, but it is believed that he is unlikely to take a flight back to Pakistan amidst demands for his high treason trial, particularly from the main opposition party’s (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif.

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. (ANI)