Plotting a comeback
What are the chances of Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan’s former president, returning to power?
Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan’s former military ruler, has announced his plan to return to power. On Friday, he launched a new political party in London, the All Pakistan Muslim League.
Apologising for what he called his negative actions of the past, Musharraf says he is now ready to lead Pakistan once again.
He first seized power in a bloodless military coup in 1999. Nine years later, he stepped down after his allies lost the 2008 general elections.
The new government threatened to impeach him, forcing him to flee and live in self-imposed exile in London where he has been ever since.
But with the current Pakistani government being criticised for its poor response to the recent devastating floods, Musharraf is stepping up to provide the alternative he says the people are seeking.
What are his chances of returning to power? Could he be the accountable ruler Pakistan’s people are looking for?
Inside Story, with Laura Kyle, discusses with Imtiyaz Gul, a political analyst and columnist, Ahmed Raza Kasuri, a former legal advisor to Musharraf, and Aamir Ghauri, a political commentator.
This episode of Inside Story aired from Saturday, October 2, 2010.