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Friendship with India only possible on equal terms: Musharraf
Musharraf says we need to be given respect as independent, sovereign nationINP
KARACHI - Former president Pervez Musharraf has said that friendship with India could only be possible on equal terms without sacrificing Pakistan’s self-respect.
“People think I don’t want friendship with India. It is not like that. Relations with India were good in my tenure,” he said. “We were close to resolving major disputes pertaining to Kashmir, Sir Creek and water treaty,” he said in an interview to a private TV channel. But he said that “his stance is clear that friendship with India is only possible on equal terms and with both countries respecting each other.”
When reminded that he masterminded the Kargil operation, Musharraf admitted that it did happened but pointed out that India had also played its role in creating Bangladesh. “They also undertook such operations so Kargil also happened,” he stated. Musharraf was forthright in stating that friendship with India was possible even with the government of Narendra Modi.
“Yes we can have friendship but not if India keeps on violating the Line of Control, killing our soldiers or sponsoring terrorism in Baluchistan to destabilise us. We should have good relations with India even if Modi is prime minister but not by bowing down to India or accepting their aggression,” he said. “If they continue – their - aggressive acts and proxy acts then we can also respond in similar fashion,” he said. Musharraf, however, said that a cordial relation would benefit both the countries. But he said “we need to be given respect as an independent and sovereign nation.”
He said that India needs to understand that if they take one step towards friendship, Pakistan would respond by taking two. “I followed this principle but I also believed in a tit for tat policy on all fronts.” He also said that he felt it was time Pakistan had a third major political force. “I think we have tried and tested the Pakistan Muslim League-N and Pakistan People’s Party with governance several times and they have failed miserably,” he said. “I would like to play my role in having this third option.” He said that people needed to understand that Pakistan should stop making itself a laughing stock to the world and that it did not matter whether there was democracy or military rule what mattered was whether Pakistan was making progress or not.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk