Musharraf’s protracted self-exile leaves loyalists disillusioned

Islamabad, Some leaders of the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), headed by former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf, are said to be facing mounting uncertainty.

“If Musharraf does not return to Pakistan, they (APML leaders) are not going to contest in the upcoming general elections,” The Express Tribune quoted a close aide of Musharraf, as saying.

“Musharraf has pushed us into a blind alley by deciding not to return to Pakistan,” he said, adding that he was contemplating distancing himself from the party and even quitting politics altogether.

Senior APML leader Zahid Sarfraz decided to part ways with APML after Musharraf did not attend his call.

Key leader Dr Amjad met with Musharraf in Dubai recently and urged the former ruler to come back to Pakistan to expedite APML”s efforts for participating in the general elections.

Amjad, however, said he himself will now focus on social welfare programmes rather than his political career.

A leader of APML”s Punjab chapter, Javed Badar, also resigned recently. “A few so-called leaders have hijacked the party and are hoodwinking Musharraf for their own vested interests,” alleged Badar.

Others who left the APML are Sher Afgan Niazi and Fawad Chaudhry, while Hanook Bhatti switched to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf a few days ago.

APML”s central leader Ahmed Raza Kasuri, however, is quick to brush aside all such speculations.

“Musharraf will certainly come back,” said a confident Kasuri.