Musharraf starts political activities in Dubai

Medical check-up cancelled; former dictator  appeared relaxed in flight; used stairs instead of Ambo Lift to get on plane; enjoyed music in flight

DUBAI: Former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf has reached Dubai after he left Pakistan on early Friday morning. He flew from the Karachi airport on Emirates flight EK-611 and restarted his political activities in Dubai, Geo News and other TV channels have reported.

The medical check-ups in the UAE have been called off for the time being.Musharraf was brought to the Karachi airport amidst tight security. Back pain might have restricted the retired general from making court appearances but when his convoy pulled up next to the aircraft on the tarmac, he was said to have been well enough to use the stairs instead of an Ambo Lifter. “He was the last person to embark on the plane and then the gate was closed,” an airport source said, adding the retired general appeared ‘relaxed’ as he enjoyed music during the flight.

A six-car convoy pulled up next to the aircraft in Karachi when almost all the passengers had boarded the flight. However, the last passengers were stopped in their tracks as General (retd) Pervez Musharraf climbed up the service stairs on the jet-bridge to board the plane.

When the flight landed in Dubai, about two dozen APML supporters had gathered there to receive their leader. Their wait was fruitless as another VVIP convoy pulled up next to the aircraft on the tarmac to receive and take away Pervez Musharraf.

Soon after his arrival in the UAE, Pervez Musharraf started his political activities as an All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), UAE chapter, meeting had already been summoned. Musharraf is expected to preside over the meeting at his residence.

“I am going abroad for treatment but will return to face the cases against me,” a party spokesman quoted him as saying. “I am a commando. I love my motherland.” Dr Amjad Malik, a spokesman for Musharraf’s All Pakistan Muslim League party, said in Dubai that six to eight weeks were required for the treatment and then Musharraf would go back home.