Islamabad: Amid intense speculation about his future after stepping down, former President Pervez Musharraf has denied reports that he would leave his "first love" Pakistan and settle in another country, saying his resignation did not reflect a "defeat".

"My resignation as President does not reflect my defeat as I resigned in the interest of Pakistan and its people," Musharraf was quoted by Geo News channel as saying to several delegations that met him yesterday.

Musharraf, who quit on Monday to avert his impeachment by the Pakistan People's Party-led ruling coalition, told the delegations that he did not intend to leave Pakistan as it was his "first love".

He said he would soon issue a white paper on the economy as he had promised in his last address to the nation on Monday. The channel reported that he would meet some politicians today.

Musharraf described as "baseless" the media reports that said he would move to the US, where his son runs a well-established business, after travelling to Saudi Arabia in the near future to perform Umra, a pilgrimage to Mecca.

The delegations met Musharraf at the President s camp office or lodge, the name given to the former army chief s residence in the garrison city of Rawalpindi. Musharraf did not vacate the army chief s residence even after doffing his military uniform late last year.
Source : PTI