Pakistan's ex-military ruler eyes return to political life and power

Speaking on the sidelines of an investor conference in Hong Kong, Mr Musharraf yesterday expressed confidence he could regain popularity and would return to Pakistan for the next national elections, scheduled for 2013.

He said he will announce the establishment of the All Pakistan Muslim League in London on October 1 and outline his political platform.

Mr Musharraf stepped down from office in August 2008 after months of protests and a heavy election defeat for his supporters. He now spends most of his time in Britain.

If he returns to Pakistan, he could face legal scrutiny over the

bloodless coup in October 1999 that brought him to power and the subsequent nine years of military rule – particularly a state of emergency declared as protests against him mounted in late 2007.

"My going back is dependent certainly on an environment to be created in Pakistan," Mr Musharraf said, but added: "I would say with certainty in the next elections, whenever the signs of the next elections come up, I will be there in Pakistan." In spite of serving as army chief and dominating his volatile country for years, it remains unclear if the 67-year-old would wield much political clout.

Mr Musharraf acknowledged he lost popularity in Pakistan, especially after firing the chief justice – who has since been reinstated – and the subsequent state of emergency.

But he said he is confident he can rebuild a support base rooted in Pakistan's youth and others disillusioned with politics. He noted that more than 75 per cent of his 295,000 followers on Facebook are between the ages of 18 and 34.

"Therefore I know that it is the youth that is yearning for change. It's the youth that is demoralised today. And I know that they can be awakened and brought out to introduce a new political culture into Pakistan."

Mr Musharraf said he is not aware of any pending legal actions against him stemming from his presidency.