Musharraf on first foreign trip since resignation

Islamabad: Former president Pervez Musharraf left here on Sunday for London on his first visit abroad since his forced resignation earlier this year.

Musharraf, who stepped down in August under a threat of impeachment by the two major parties that won the elections in February, was accompanied by his wife Sehba.

During the weeklong tour, the former president would address the Cambridge University Students Union, sources said.

"The former President will stay in London for one week. He will address Cambridge University Students Union, and hold meetings with different think tanks," a close aide of former president said.

Pakistani High Commission in London will provide official protocol on his arrival in London, they said.

The Pakistan Muslim League-N of former premier Nawaz Sharif has frequently called for trial of the former dictator for his alleged violation of the country's constitution.

The ruling Pakistan Peoples party has however bypassed the demand saying it was committed to a policy of national reconciliation. At least one petition moved in the Islamabad High Court recently for banning Musharraf's exit from the country was dismissed.

"We have no reservations on Musharraf's visit to UK. He is a Pakistani citizen and is free to go anywhere he wants," Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said in reaction as news of Musharraf's departure spread.

Musharraf is expected to start the second leg of his European and US tour after a few days.