Musharraf heads to Pakistan amid death threats

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf is en route to his homeland after more than four years in self-exile.

Musharraf’s flight to Karachi left Dubai on Sunday carrying supporters who hope the ex-general can make a political comeback in May parliamentary elections.

Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf AP

But Musharraf faces significant risks. He is considered an enemy of Islamic militants for siding with America in the response to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The Pakistan Taliban has vowed to kill him.

He also faces charges linked the probe of the 2007 assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

Musharraf took power in a 1999 coup and was forced to step down in 2008 amid growing discontent over his rule. He has since lived in Dubai and London.