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Musharraf calls for 'jehad' against extremism

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, JAN. 17. In his first major policy speech after the January 6 India-Pakistan joint statement, the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, today signalled complete disengagement of the state from "jehadis" and "jehadi" outfits, calling upon the people to wage a holy war against extremism to rid the nation of sectarianism and terrorism.

Addressing a joint session of Parliament, Gen. Musharraf said that extremists bent on exporting "jehad" (holy war) had done enormous damage to Pakistan and that it was time the country took tough decisions if it had to avoid the path of "destruction."

Attired in a round-collared coat, Gen. Musharraf read out his 30-minute speech amid shouts of "go Musharraf go" by the members of the Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy.

The Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), the alliance of religious parties that facilitated the "election" of Gen. Musharraf as President by Parliament, stayed away alleging that Pakistan, under pressure from the United States, had done a `U'-turn on its Kashmir policy.

Pakistan's challenges following the perception of its being a breeding ground for extremism and what needs to be done to overcome it dominated Gen. Musharraf's speech. "I appeal to you and the people of Pakistan to wage a `jehad' against extremism so that Pakistan can be turned into a proper Islamic welfare state according to the spirit of Islam and the wishes of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal," he said.

"We have to ensure that individuals or groups involved in sectarianism and terrorism are completely eradicated from Pakistan." Gen. Musharraf said that Pakistan was facing four serious allegations — spreading terrorism in Afghanistan from the tribal areas, terrorism on the Line of Control in Kashmir, proliferation of nuclear weapons and being part of an "intolerant society." Important and far-reaching decisions were needed to get out of the situation. Otherwise, he said, "the coming generations will pay a very heavy price for this indifference and Allah Almighty will never forgive us."

He said the only way to tackle the allegations of cross-LoC terrorism was the peaceful and just solution to the Kashmir issue. "The progress in this regard has to be carried forward with sincerity," he said in an oblique reference to the recent thaw in relations between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan's nuclear and missile power was for its defence. "To strengthen it is in our interest. We have to assure the world that we are a responsible nation and will not allow proliferation of nuclear weapons."

Addressing the joint session of Parliament was constitutionally mandated for Gen. Musharraf. However, he stayed away from it so far in the face of stiff opposition. A showdown seemed inevitable. He had kept himself aloof for the first year but now he feels more confident having won the MMA's support and a two-thirds majority in the House, which had even passed a confidence vote in his favour a few days ago.

The Opposition's strength in Parliament was depleted because commercial aircraft carrying several members were diverted to other cities — one landing in Peshawar instead of Islamabad and another never reaching the capital in time after taking off from Karachi. The Pakistan International Airlines claimed there were bomb threats against the aircraft.

Gen. Musharraf said the curse of extremism by a handful of persons was damaging the country internally. "On the one hand, there are ultra modern westernised people who wish to end the religious system in the country. The others are those hardliners who interpret Islam in a wrong way and want to impose their views on all. The reality is that the majority of the people are moderates who totally reject extremism."

He said some elements were defaming the country with ulterior motives and nefarious designs.

"We are proud of our armed forces, because they have played an important role in country's defence, growth and progress and will continue to do so. Some elements try to bring a bad name to the Army to achieve their nefarious designs," he said.

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