Will return to Pak 'if needed': Musharraf

Islamabad, Jul 24: Former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf, who has been summoned by the Supreme Court to explain his unconstitutional step of imposing an emergency in the country on November 3, 2007, has said that he is ready to appear before the court 'if needed'.

Talking to media persons after meeting his legal advisors and old friends in London, Musharraf said he would return to Pakistan if need arose.

Musharraf met his old legal aide Abdul Hafiz Pirzada besides several political leaders including Federal Minister Baber Khan Ghori and former ministers Chaudhry Shehbaz, Faisal Saleh Hayat, and Omer Ayub, The Nation reports.

Musharraf said he is consulting his lawyers and would disclose his strategy only after receiving the details of the case.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court summoned Musharraf to explain the legality of imposing emergency in the country on November 3, 2007.

The apex court has asked him to appear before it on Jul 29 to explain his position.

About 60 judges of the higher judiciary were sacked under emergency rule. Those replacing them may also be axed if the court declares the presidential action illegal.

ANI