Musharraf 'forming political party'?

JUL 29 - Speculations are rife that former President Gen (R) Pervez Musharraf is thinking of launching a new political party amidst reports that his friends have advised him against media appearances at this time as he and the Chaudhrys were at loggerheads.

In fact today, Ch Shujaat for the first time, gave a no-holds-barred interview to Late Edition of ARY in which he said he opposed Lal Masjid Ops, CJ Iftikhar's removal, imposition of emergency on Nov 3 2007 and several other matters.

In not so much in an open way, but Shujaat today did come out speaking candidly (in bits and chuckles) against his former boss's several major decisions but felt short of calling him a dictator. In fact he praised him for media freedom and holding the first elections in 2000 and seemd not to be in favor of his accountability.

Watch Shujaat interview: I opposed Lal Masjid OP, Chief Justice removal- Shujaat

Musharraf's new political party, if it does take off, we are told, will attempt to attract the youth who presently consist of 55 percent of the population and will target Karachi and Punjab as its constituencies and both the Saraiki belt and Lahore may be its major focus.

Mr Musharraf is presently in media and lego-politico limelight due to the Tikka Iqbal Case in the Supreme Court and has decided not to return soon.

Observers think he may decide to make London as his base until such time that he may decide to return.

Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid dissident leader Hamid Nasir Chattha and the party’s Punjab President Pervaiz Elahi have reached London, where the former is likely to meet Musharraf.

PML-Q sources said Chattha would meet Musharraf to discuss political affairs of the country.

Sources said intra-party differences in the PML-Q and conflicts with the Chaudhrys were likely to be discussed in the meeting.

Meanwhile, Elahi is in London to see his newly-born grandson reported Daily Times today.