Associated Press of Pakistan,
ISLAMABAD: President General Pervez Musharraf Thursday asked the nation to stand along country’s law enforcement agencies against extremists and terrorists for Pakistan’s safe and secure future. “Unless the people of Pakistan rise against extremists and terrorists, the threat from them, would continue,” he told participants of an interactive programme “Aiwan-e-Sadr Sey”, telecast by PTV.
The President was speaking on “Security from external and internal threats” at the programme, that covers a certain topic each week.
The President said the country’s armed forces were well equipped and fully prepared to protect the country, however it faced a greater threat from extremists and terrorists internally than any external threat.
“Terrorism is to be fought forcefully … we have to eliminate terrorists,” he told the gathering comprising mostly students, professors, Nazims and businessmen.
He said the vast majority of the nation was against the terrorists and need to be weaned away through political, economic and administrative measures.
The President said a combination of force and dialogue were being used against the people who are still caught up in a time wrap.
He said the capability of country’s intelligence agencies, both physically and technically have developed to a high level and has arrested several would-be suicide bombers, terrorists and masterminds.
President Musharraf said extremism reflects rigidity of mind, wherein the extremists force, particularly their views on religion, on others and those with such extreme views in the end, become terrorists.
“Islam spread into the region by Sufis, who used to convey the message through love and peace,” he said.
The President mentioned the multi-pronged strategy being pursued by the government to tackle the issue including putting an end to misuse of mosques, ban on publication, distribution of hate literature, amendment in syllabus and mainstreaming of Madrassas.
To a question, the President said the people of Pakistan have sacrificed a lot in the global war against terror and said the international community too realises it.
“They [international community] recognises our role, but also wants us to eliminate those who are hiding in our mountains,” he added.
The President said the security situation was threatening tourism and economic activity in the country.
“It is the common man, working from a kiosk who is suffering the most,” he added.
The President said the government was spending billions on several uplift projects in the federally administered tribal areas (FATA), and added there was a need to allocate more to undo the neglect of past.
President Musharraf said on the external level Pakistan desires security and peace but with honour and dignity.
“It is only possible, if we have strength, but if we are weak, our sovereignty could be compromised,” he said.
“We have a weapon system that have lethality and accuracy,” he said and added that these were being maintained according to regional dynamics.
He said Pakistan was pursuing a policy of minimum defensive deterrence and has quantified its military strategy according to the threat level.
Musharraf pointed that the strategy had to be upgraded after a nuclear dimension and missiles were brought to the region. He, however stressed that the country does not want to involve in any arms race.
He said the country would continue to maintain its minimum defence deterrence, both in conventional and unconventional areas.
To a question about the reported death of Balach Mari, the President said the details were still coming in. He, however mentioned the decades-old enmity between the Mari and the Bugti tribes that has led to loss of several lives.
He said in Balochistan earlier 95 per cent was “B” area, with no control of police, but now the situation has reversed, with majority of the ‘farari camps’ shut down.
The President said some of those involved in terrorist activity in Balochistan were staying at the Afghan Camps and getting financing from abroad and added “I will not go into details.”
The President to a question said there was no martial law in the country and the civil government was working smoothly and was in a transitionary phase towards complete civil rule.
About media’s role, the President said he always believes in the independence of media but said that independence also comes with responsibility. He said a code of conduct has been devised that includes the best practices from around the world.
On street crimes, the President said the police needs to gear up its act and do more for prevention of such crimes.
