Islamabad, September 07: A former federal minister in ex-president Pervez Musharraf’s government has said that the General would actively participate in politics after November 30 when a two-year constitutional restriction barring him to hold public office comes to an end.
Talking to newspersons in Islamabad late yesterday, Mr Chaudhry Shahbaz said he held several meetings with the former President in London and also met him recently in Jeddah. He said Mr Musharraf was given official protocol in Saudi Arabia, where he was invited by the Saudi King.
”Mr Musharraf would unite various factions of the Pakistan Muslim League(Q) and participate in politics from that platform,” Mr Shahbaz, who served as minister for population welfare in the Musharraf regime, said when asked if the former President would launch a new party.
Mr Musharraf had formed the PML(Q) in 2003 with full help and support of Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and his cousin Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, the known political wheelers and dealers in Punjab province.
Mr Shahbaz said the two-year constitutional restriction, which prevents Mr Musharraf from participating in politics, would end on November 30, after which he would announce his future strategy. He termed Mr Musharraf a ‘visionary leader’ whose services are required by the nation.
”After Benazir Bhutto, we have no leader … who can deliver lectures in 17 countries. Mr Musharraf is recognised all over the world,” he said. Asked about differences between Mr Musharraf and the Chaudhry brothers, he said, ”Sometimes, even brothers can develop differences.
But these differences can be settled.” Asked if any mutual friends were trying to resolve differences between the two sides, he said an effort could be launched, adding ”It would not be an uphill task.” He said a trial for the former President could open a Pandora’s box.
–Agencies