Haven't quit politics: clarifies Musharraf

Former President General (retd) Pervez Musharraf clarified on Saturday that while he quit from heading his party All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), he had not quit his political career.

In a video message, Musharraf clarified that although he wanted to return to Pakistan and contest in the upcoming elections, he had decided against returning after certain conditions of his were not met.

Musharraf wanted assurance that his name would be removed from the Exit Control List and he would not be arrested on his return. He also wanted the assurance of  the removal of lifetime disqualification against him, local media reported.

Musharraf revealed that since his conditions were not met, he had decided to quit as head of APML and not to return to Pakistan. Saying that he will continue to support APML, Musharraf requested his party to support the new chairman, Dr Amjad Shoaib.

The former president said that his future plans will be announced as things unfold. Musharraf is in Dubai for nearly two years. Court proceedings are in process against him regarding the case of imposition of extra-constitutional emergency by Musharraf in 2007.