Elections 2013: APML hints at alliance with Imran, Qadri

APML Senior Vice President Ahmed Raza Kasuri.

ISLAMABAD: 

Former military ruler Pervez Musharraf’s political party – the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) – plans electoral alliances with three political parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of Imran Khan.

Musharraf will make a formal announcement about possible alliances next week from Dubai, a close aide of Musharraf told The Express Tribune on Saturday.

“We are working on alliances and seat adjustments with the MQM, PTI and Dr Tahirul Qadri’s Pakistan Awami Tehreek,” he said. “Since our manifesto is revolutionary, we are in contact with political parties who believe in change.”

APML Senior Vice President Ahmed Raza Kasuri, said the proposed alliances were meant to bring the 65% youth of the country on one platform to end the politics of status quo. However, he said, it is a source of contention for party leaders that contrary to Musharraf’s expectations, no notable politicians have yet joined the APML — at least before his arrival to Pakistan.

A ceremony was held in Islamabad on Saturday to welcome some politicians who joined the APML but, Kasuri said, some influential personalities who were in contact with Musharraf did not show up.

Kasuri predicted that several politicians would join the party after the return of Musharraf. “We have got support from custodians of shrines,” he added. “Apart from others, today brother-in-law of Senate Chairman Nayyar Hussain Bokhari, Syed Ashfaq Hussain Bokhari, also joined the APML.”

Once a caretaker government is in place, Musharraf will make a final decision about his homecoming. “He might return to Pakistan and hold public gatherings. At the same time he might also delay his return,” Kasuri said.

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