Come what may, Musharraf vows to return to Pakistan

E-Paper | May 23, 2026

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Former military ruler Pervez Musharraf speaks at a news conference. — Photo by AP/File

KARACHI: Former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf on Saturday said he would return to Pakistan tomorrow “at any cost”.

Speaking to media representatives at a press conference in Dubai, Musharraf said it was imperative to save Pakistan as the ‘terrorists’ were aiming to destroy it, adding that he was coming to rescue the country.

Furthermore, the former president said the international community was aware of the situation in Pakistan which had been a source of humiliation to the nation.

Moreover, Musharraf said he would come back at any cost as he would not be in any danger upon his return to Pakistan and that he was not afraid of extremists.

He also said that after resigning as president, he remained in the country for eight months without heavy security. He added that he would arrange for his security himself as he did not want to depend on the government.

The former president said the situation in Pakistan had deteriorated greatly since 1999 and that it would take two to three years to improve it.

Musharraf said he wished to challenge and subvert the existing status quo in Pakistan.

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Pakistan

The writer is a journalist covering energy transition, emissions markets, and climate finance.

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M. S. Alvi

Mar 23, 2013 01:20pm

Musharraf is making clear statements of truth, and his understanding of the truths. Fortunately, he is ready to help Pakistan. Now it is upto Pakistani's to avail his help. I wonder if Imran Khan is wise enough to join hands with Musharraf to help Pakistan!

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Syed Abdur Rahim

Mar 23, 2013 01:21pm

Salam Brave man. But he should start convincing that he is a Muslims and loves Islam by practice. Put something in agenda. I request Taleban to support him as he is an asset of the country and Islamic world.

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Hasnain Haque

Mar 23, 2013 01:30pm

Whilst I never support dictators but given the choice between Zardari, the Sharifs or many of the other Islamists, I'd rather have Mushraff contesting the elections. Under his rule the government was the most honest and intelligent, the country benefited and extremism did not flourish. The state of the country at present is so bad that Pakistan is neither a civilised, democratic or an Islamic country. Pakistani people just do not realise how bad their country is, it is finished unless something drastic is done.

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gangadin

Mar 23, 2013 01:38pm

He should return and face the music.

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good heavens....

Mar 23, 2013 01:49pm

no more of these oldies! they have had their chance....its time for someone new!!

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John

Mar 23, 2013 02:40pm

Welcome back, luck has nothing to do with it...but good luck.

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Ali

Mar 23, 2013 02:56pm

Our only hope is Musharraf, God help him and keep him safe.

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zishi

Mar 23, 2013 03:12pm

It will be good to see you back in Pakistan. We need educated and honest people like you to be part of the system so we can improve ourselves as a nation.

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G.A.

Mar 23, 2013 04:12pm

IK promised to improve it in 90 days. You have to come up with a better offer general.

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Fazal

Mar 23, 2013 05:03pm

Pakistan is in desperate need of a leader. Musharaf can be one, but I think it

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altaf

Mar 23, 2013 06:22pm

Musharraf was no saint. He was involved in extrajudicaial killings of his political enemies not just terrorists. Let this coward commando general now face the realities.

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zia khan

Mar 23, 2013 06:52pm

After enjoying for a decade like a mogul emperor, he cannot get that intoxication of power and enjoyment out of his head. He believes that Pakistan progressed during his rein and people are waiting for the Messiah but in reality he has caused irreparable and irreversible damage to Pakistan He created an economic bubble which burst as soon as he left. Situation we are in is his gift which we cannot handle. Bringing in PPP through NRO is the most memorable gift to the nation. He was installed in the top slot so easily last time that he seems to have developed strong faith in his Second Coming. It will be interesting to see if he has any case to answer

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ali

Mar 23, 2013 07:02pm

Anti terrorist powers r welcome

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S Chaudhury

Mar 23, 2013 07:04pm

Brave leader & it would be good for Pakistan

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I. Ahmed

Mar 23, 2013 07:12pm

I suggest people of Pakistan should not vote for him for one and only one reason. He is suffering from dementia and we don

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Gerry D'Cunha

Mar 23, 2013 07:41pm

looks like 2007 history is repeating, when mushraf had warned benazir not to come to pakistan and now he is being warned not to come,as the old saying 'what's goes round comes round'

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vital

Mar 23, 2013 07:45pm

Welcome and clean pakistan from terrorists, u r our hope.

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SHB

Mar 23, 2013 08:36pm

I think Mr Mushraff is taking wrong exit in life. This will be his second wrong exit. First one was back in 1999.this time he may not be that Lucky.

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Shair Khan

Mar 24, 2013 01:55am

I think President Musharraf is taking high risk. But this is not the first time. He is not afraid of these Taliban criminals. He was attacked several times when he was the President but that did not stopped him in speaking against the criminals who are killing ordinary citizen of Pakistan in the name of religious. My hats off to Pervez Musharraf. Good luck and May Allah be on your side.

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Bbbb

Mar 24, 2013 02:46am

As far as I can recall, Musharraf was to come back on Pakistan day. He still remembers that, perhaps he knows the date, but not the year.

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Tanveer,Sialkoti

Mar 24, 2013 03:14pm

What about Imran Khan!

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