MUSHARRAF IS BACK 

After remaining in self-exile forover four years, Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf  is returning home today to participate in historic elections in May.

Musharraf, 69, is flying from Dubai to Karachi where his supporters are planning to give him a rousing  welcome. Clearing the way for his homecoming, three Pakistani courts on Friday granted him pre-arrest bail in several cases, including the Akbar Bugti and Benazir Bhutto murder cases, in which he has been declared a proclaimed offender.

His party, the All Pakistan Muslim League, on Saturday placed quarter page advertisements in leading newspapers asking people to welcome the former president at 11am at the airport.Later, he is also scheduled to address a public rally near the mausoleum of the Quaid-e-Azam. Since he went into self-exile in early 2009, Musharraf has several times announced his intention to return home.

Musharraf told the Waqt television channel on Friday that he was not afraid to stand trial for the cases evoked against him as most of them were unconstitutional.
"I am ready for a long fight but the time has come for me to return and play my role in Pakistani politics. Security is not a concern for me and I have not asked for any security from the government. I will have my own security when I return home," he said.
The former president made it clear that he intends to contest the forthcoming general elections on May 11.

"These elections are very important for Pakistan and I think many of these parties are going to be surprised by the results."

Political and security analysts believe that Musharraf's return has only been made possible after some "deals" in which some foreign governments and the military would have played an influential role.
Musharraf had chosen Karachi wisely for his return home as the Mutthaida-e-Qaumi Movement with whom he had a good working relationship and understanding during his rule would ensure he gets a befitting welcome home.

"MQM has never spoken out against Musharraf or his policies as head of state and I am sure silently there will be a lot of MQM supporters at the airport to welcome Musharraf,

Now the Pakistan political scenarios also change with his arrival. Previous day PTI made shocked the public. Today what will happen, Just wait for his arrival

By

IFRAH ANSARI