President Pervez Musharraf addresses scholars at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence & Security Studies (RUSI)

 

LONDON, Jan 26: Addressing scholars and the British media at the prestigious think tank, the Royal United Services Institute on 25 January, President Pervez Musharraf said Pakistan and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan have total co-operation with each other in fighting the Taliban and Al-Qaeda elements. Soon after his arrival in the British capital on the last leg of his four-nation European tour, he underscored the need for political dialogue, adding that military means alone cannot ensure a lasting victory in Afghanistan.

 

Speaking on the theme of a ‘Vision for Pakistan and Regional Harmony’, the President ruled out allowing any foreign forces to operate from inside the borders of Pakistan and said Pakistani forces were fully capable of meeting any challenges. He said Pakistan would continue to support the Bonn process for bringing peace in Afghanistan.

 

The President said measures taken by Pakistan to strengthen its western borders have been appreciated by the ISAF.  He said the NATO forces were doing a good job in Afghanistan but they must not ignore the political path.

He said Pakistan has established 1000 posts and done selective fencing along its borders with Afghanistan, adding the other effective step to wean away the Taliban elements, was through removing poverty and illiteracy.

 

Referring to a question on the Pakistan nuclear assets, President Musharraf said there was no danger of these falling into wrong hands as there exists a strong command and control system. “There is a zero chance of our nuclear assets falling into Al-Qaeda hands,” he said.

 

He suggested that the media should avoid casting aspersion on the abilities of country’s law enforcing and intelligence agencies. The President also spoke of the growing friendly relations with India though, he said at the moment the peace process appears to have stalled.

 

He assured the audience that February 18 elections would be held in a fair, fair, peaceful and transparent manner and the Election Commission has taken all the measures to ensure its credibility. He added international observers have been allowed from Europe and US to monitor the democratic process. He also spoke about the resurgence in Pakistan economy and the increase in the foreign direct investment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President addresses a mammoth gathering of British Pakistanis

 

LONDON, Jan 26: Addressing a huge gathering of Pakistani community at a jam packed hall in London, President Pervez Musharraf dismissed the impression that there will be any clash between the authority of the President and the Prime Minister following February 18 general elections. The constitution and the law are very clear to this effect, and both organs of the State could perform their responsibilities independently, keeping the national interest supreme.

 

The President expressed his confidence that a stable, moderate and honest government will come into power as a result of the democratic process. He said that he will be prepared to facilitate the process of forming the new future government.

 

The President took a strong exception to the allegations of rigging, stating the election system was inherently fair and transparent. Those who talk about unfairness in the elections are doing it for their political purposes that also reflect the culture under which a losing party does not accept its defeat.  He hoped that decency will prevail and the political parties would adopt forward looking approach in strengthening the democratic process. 

 

President Musharraf recounted the economic achievements of his government, pointing that all economic indicators are favourable, showing upward trend in socio-economic development. He told the gathering that reduction of poverty, unemployment and inflation had been his top priority. The rate of poverty has been reduced from 35 percent to 24 percent. “We intend to further bring it down to 15 percent as soon as possible,” he added.

 

The President also highlighted the circumstances that led to imposition of emergency. He said extraordinary situation demanded extraordinary steps and he was left with no option but to impose emergency that was however lifted after 46 days.

    

The President warned that politics of agitation will not be allowed at any cost, adding that it was the duty of all the political parties to avoid confrontation.

 

In regard to rapid economic progress that took place in the country in the recent years, he said there was a considerable headway in developing important sectors of national importance including communication, information technology and water and power sectors. The sustainability of this growth will be a major challenge for the future government, he added.

The President advised the overseas Pakistanis to act as country’s ambassadors rejecting negative propaganda and stopping malicious campaign against the government. He assured that he would keep Pakistan’s interest high in all circumstances and would be prepared to extend his cooperation to all parties to achieve the desired results.

 

The President was given a standing ovation when he entered the hall amidst thunderous applause in favour of his policies and achievements during the last seven years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President Musharraf calls for promoting sense of self-confidence, pride among Pakistanis

 

LONDON, Jan 28: Addressing a press conference with ethnic Pakistani media, President Pervez Musharraf called for developing a sense of self-confidence and pride among Pakistanis, saying there was a need to promote these two characteristics for the progress of the country.

 

The President explained the background of his European tour and said he had been able to remove misperception obtaining abroad about the situation in Pakistan to a certain extent.

 

He said his interaction with leaders and opinion-makers in Belgium, France, Davos and UK had been useful and in his address to the Pakistani community he had spoken about the need for unity and economic progress.

 

President Pervez Musharraf described the international relations as complex and said the people of Pakistan need to understand its dynamics, rather than becoming emotional. He said investment in Pakistan was growing and mentioned the recent acquisition of Paktel by China Mobile which has invested US $ 800 million in Pakistan. Similarly, he said a Japanese bank has purchased Saudi Pakistan Commercial Bank and an energy company (E & I) has been doing a very profitable business in Pakistan.

 

Pervez Musharraf said economic fundamentals in Pakistan will maintain upward trends and there was no need for people to be despondent.

 

He also stressed the need for Pakistan’s correct projection, Responding to a question, the President said Kashmir remains the core issue to be settled with India and the peace process was underway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President interacts with senior members of the British media

 

LONDON, Jan 28: Addressing senior members of the British media in London, President Pervez Musharraf urged the West to understand the challenges and problems facing Pakistan and said the country needs to be encouraged and supported in overcoming these obstacles and difficulties.

 

President said his country’s success in meeting these challenges will make the world more peaceful and tranquil. During his inter-action which lasted some 70 minutes, the President gave an overview of the various challenges confronting Pakistan and how his Government has mapped out strategies to deal with each of these issues.

 

The President declared that his government was a strong believer in independent media and will continue to encourage its growth and free expression. He spoke about Pakistan’s centrality to the peace in the world given its strategic location and said it was imperative for its allies in the West to help his country through economic and military assistance.

 

He said Pakistan needs more excess to the European markets, more investments and trade exchanges to develop and widen its industrial base and provide job opportunities for its people in order to alleviate poverty and develop the country.

 

Responding to a question, the President said through US aid, Pakistan will shortly receive the first part of US $ 150 million for utilising on various public welfare projects in FATA. Answering another question, Musharraf said western journalists were free to visit Balochistan and see for themselves the development undertaken by the Government to bring about changes in the social milieu of the people.