Pervez Musharraf denies deal behind return, rejects allegations

KARACHI: Former President General (retd) Pervez Musharraf said Wednesday that he had not struck a deal with anybody and returned to Pakistan in the interest of the country.

“I am among those people who think of the country and (its) people,” Musharraf told reporters during his first press conference after returning to Pakistan from a self-imposed exile.

Musharraf said that he cannot say how many constituencies he will be able to win but that he will run for elections from Karachi, adding that he has old relations with Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

The former President said his supporters had recommended he run for elections from NA-250 Defence constituency in Karachi.

Musharraf claimed that Pakistan had prospered during his eight-year tenure, adding that he had been the only one to raise his voice against anti-state elements and those spreading terrorism. Musharraf added that others were either scared to raise their voice or were safeguarding their own interests.

When asked about the Kargil issue, the former president replied that he was proud of the Kargil operation. Muhsarraf denied handing over Dr. Aafia Siddiqui to the United States calling whoever did so a traitor.

According to Musharraf the decision to join the US-led war on terror was in the interest of Pakistan and if he had not taken that decision the country’s destiny would have been completely different.