Former Pakistani leader Pervez Musharraf says in London only military can save Pakistan

Ex-general Musharraf to launch new political party

LONDON — Pakistan’s former military ruler Pervez Musharraf is launching a new political party in London, setting the stage for his return to the country before 2013 elections.

Musharraf, who has lived in London since he stepped down in 2008, told the BBC that the army must be involved in lifting Pakistan from its current economic woes and political infighting — problems exacerbated by floods earlier this year.

Musharraf says there is a growing sense of despondency spreading in Pakistan and that the threat of terrorism and a dysfunctional government were causing a crisis.

The 67-year-old, who seized power in a 1999 coup, stepped down in 2008 amid nationwide protests.

He plans to announce the political platform of his new party, the All Pakistan Muslim League, in London on Friday.