Sunday, Nov 23, 2003
World suspicious of Pak. on terrorism, says Musharraf
By B. Muralidhar Reddy
ISLAMABAD Nov. 22. The Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, has surprised observers here with his candid comment that with the passage of time (in the post 9/11 scenario) the world has started suspecting Pakistan's sincerity in supporting the "war on terrorism". Talking to a group of editors and senior journalists here on Thursday night, Gen. Musharraf said perception that he himself was supporting extremists and terrorists was gaining widespread acceptance in the world.
He made a presentation on the internal and external issues facing Pakistan and answered questions. The gathering came out of the interactive session with the distinct impression of growing pressure from the United States on Islamabad to "do more". The observations of Gen. Musharraf have been perceived as a reflection of the harsh ground realities and the challenges ahead for the Government.
Explaining the rationale behind the decision of the Government to comb tribal areas bordering Afghanistan in search of Al-Qaeda fugitives, Gen. Musharraf said if Pakistan had not acted, it would have been an invitation for the coalition forces to bomb the area. He went a step further and warned that Pakistan will suffer from sanctions and "they may even start bombing our tribal areas," if this perception is not removed urgently.
He said Pakistan could lose a market of $1billion if the European Union, believing that Pakistan was involved in spreading international extremism, withdrew the trade concessions it had offered to Islamabad.
Gen. Musharraf said he was shocked, when during his recent visit to China, that country's leaders informed him that Pakistan had provided sanctuary to Chinese extremists operating against Beijing's interests. Gen. Musharraf lamented that in Pakistan he was waging a lone war against these extremists and found others, who have equal if not more stake in a peaceful and progressive Pakistan, reluctant to fight the menace head on. "We must all help stop this menace and condemn it publicly. The politicians and the media should be very active on this front".
In his opening remarks, he told the gathering that he had identified three areas of concern for Pakistan in the days ahead with religious extremism being on top of the list followed by provincial harmony and political stability.
On the internal front, he indicated willingness to show flexibility on the demand of the Opposition parties for withdrawal of amendments he has made to the Constitution and hinted at personal involvement in talks in the coming days.
Copyright © 2003, The Hindu.