| Pakistan's ex-president, Pervez Musharraf, who | | | | Islamic party, Jamat-i-Islami. called Musharraf a |
| remains in exile in London, has announced that he | | | | "coward", and spoke of a serious continuing crisis |
| plans to return to politics in Pakistan. Opponents | | | | that was caused by his years of rule. The |
| from Pakistan's major political parties have | | | | Pakistan Muslim League also scoffed at Musharraf |
| ridiculed the idea, though there does seem to be | | | | and his running away from the country "instead |
| a small minority of those who would welcome his | | | | of facing courts of law". In the interview, |
| return. The military leader, who ousted former | | | | Musharraf denied any wrongdoing and defended |
| prime minister Nawaz in a coup in 1999 and | | | | his role as the country's leader and said he would |
| resigned in 2008 and fled the country to avoid | | | | face any allegations when he returns to Pakistan. |
| prosecution in Pakistan's courts announced that he | | | | Some would welcome Musharaff's return to |
| feels he stands a good chance of winning the | | | | power in Pakistan - Dr. Sher Afgan Niazi, who was |
| 2013 presidential elections in Pakistan. | | | | a minister under the former president, said that |
| Spokesmen from various political parties in | | | | only Musharaff could "safeguard Pakistan and its |
| Pakistan have responded fiercely saying that | | | | interests". In these troubled times, with Pakistan |
| Musharraf has no place in the future of Pakistan | | | | still struggling to manage the first phase of relief |
| other than facing the courts that seek to convict | | | | and recovery from the floods which have |
| him of violating the constitution. Musharaff | | | | affected 20 million people and with recent |
| stepped down from power in 2008 when the | | | | renewed terrorist activity threatening its citizenry, |
| ruling coalition moved to impeach him for imposing | | | | desperate people may be tempted to return to |
| military rule, which was seen as an effort to fire | | | | they may remember as a strong leader. |
| senior judges. In an interview with the BBC, the | | | | For those who have friends and family there, |
| former president said he was willing to risk his life | | | | many telecom services are making it easy to call |
| in an effort to save Pakistan from what he called | | | | Pakistan. Take advantage of cheap calls to |
| an "artificial, make-believe democratic path" that | | | | Pakistan and stay in touch with contacts and |
| the current leaders have embarked upon. | | | | loved ones as the nation struggles with its |
| Liaqat Baloch, a spokesman for Pakistan's largest | | | | enormous current challenges. |