News
Monday, October 11, 2010
Musharraf backs talks with Taliban
WASHINGTON/LAHORE: Former military ruler Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf on Sunday rejected the idea that Pakistan’s intelligence was supporting the Taliban, but stressed the need for a negotiated end to conflict in the region.
“I was always of the view that we need to change strategy,” he told an ABC programme. “We need to go in for deals. So my strategy always was to strike a deal.” He said his position had been “vindicated now when everyone is talking of going into some political agreements with moderate Taliban”.
The former general bristled, however, at the suggestion that Pakistan is not doing enough to fight extremists. “Pakistan has always been accused of not doing enough. But I totally disagree with this statement – Pakistan is doing enough,” he said. He acknowledged that Pakistani forces were struggling in North Waziristan, but added, “Don’t generalise the statement that the Pakistan Army is not doing enough. They have suffered over 2,000 casualties. What do we mean by ‘not doing enough’?” he asked.
Separately, in an interview to an Indian TV channel, Musharraf said the Indian intelligence agency, RAW, was supporting terrorist activities inside Pakistan. He said India was involved in carrying out terrorist activities inside Pakistan and is also supporting terrorists in Balochistan. He said Brahamdagh Bugti was receiving aid from Afghanistan and India. He added that the Pakistan Army was not playing any role in politics. afp/daily times monitor
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk