Musharraf warns pro-Taliban elements

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, OCT. 10. The Pakistan President, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, once again asserted that no imposed political dispensation in Afghanistan would be acceptable. He also issued a stern warning to pro-Taliban elements against any disruptive activities. He was briefing the Cabinet on the current situation relating to actions against the Taliban regime. He informed his colleagues that he found a clear understanding and appreciation among the coalition partners of the need to facilitate the installation of a broadbased political dispensation in Afghanistan, representing all ethnic groups with due consideration of their demographic composition.

Gen. Musharraf said that despite the best efforts to save Afghanistan from any action, the Taliban regime's refusal to respond to any plea resulted in the present situation.

Pakistan desired and wished an orderly transition ensuring unity, stability and peace in Afghanistan. He also informed the Cabinet that no operation against the Taliban regime has taken place or was taking place from Pakistan.

Pakistan would continue to provide information, air space and logistic support to combat terrorism. The BBC, has however, claimed that Pakistan had agreed to a limited use of air bases in two places in the country.

The Government would move against all lawbreakers firmly and swiftly. An inter-provincial meeting on law and order would be held tomorrow. No extremist activity would be tolerated and stern action would be taken against any person involved in such activities. He said any damage to the national interest, public assets or property caused by the activities of any extremist organisation anywhere in the country would not be tolerated.

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Section  : International
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