Former Pakistani leader sets up party chapters in Canada

VANCOUVER - The former leader of Pakistan is on a lecture tour in Vancouver, trying to drum up support for a return to power.

Flanked by handlers and RCMP security at a downtown hotel Thursday, General Pervez Musharraf said he wants to lead Pakistan again, but this time as a civilian.

Though he resigned as military leader in 2008, Musharraf said he's now setting up chapters of his new political party in Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary, called the "All Pakistan Muslim League."

Musharraf fought India in two wars but told the Vancouver audience he rejected claims he might be simply trying to grab power once again.

He says he wants to bring peace to his country and believes it's possible if the current leadership is sincere and flexible.

He also praised Canada for years ago forgiving hundreds of millions of dollars of debt owed by Pakistan.

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  Pervez Musharraf, the former President of Pakistan, stands in attention during his country's national anthem as he arrives for the announcement of the launch of his new political party, the "All Pakistan Muslim League" in central London, Friday Oct. 1, 2010. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)