With improvement in health, former president plans to return to politics

KARACHI: Former president and founder of the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf, who took a backseat from political activities last year because of his deteriorating health, is now planning a comeback following an improvement in his condition, a party official said on Thursday.

The 78-year-old former military ruler is suffering from amyloidosis, a rare disease caused by a build-up of an abnormal protein called amyloid in organs and tissues throughout the body, according to his family.

Speaking to media , APML General Secretary Mehreen Malik said the former president had received medical treatment at a hospital in London for 12 days last month.

“Now he is feeling better and back at his residence in Dubai,” she added.

The APML general secretary said Musharraf had also held a meeting with party officials. “He will fully resume his political activities with the consultation of doctors,” said Mehreen, adding, “He is being examined by a team of doctors every day.”

She further said on Musharraf’s instructions, the APML was resuming its political activities across the country.

“He [Musharraf] will address the party’s 9th foundation day ceremony in Islamabad through video link on October 6.”

The party official said the former president would also make important political announcements soon.

Musharraf, who ruled the country for nearly nine years from 1999 to 2008, is facing a treason trial under Article 6 of the Constitution on a complaint moved by the federal government.