Musharraf urges Moderate Politicians to Unite against Extremists  
By Aziz Malik 'Pakistan Times' Federal Bureau Chief

RAWALPINDI: President General Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday urged the moderate political forces to join hands in effectively combating the challenge of extremism and terrorism facing the country.

Talking to a group of editors in a meeting, which lasted over three-hours here at the President’s Camp Office, he said that he firmly believed “the solution lies in the democratic process.”

The President said, “I want to take Pakistan on the road to moderation,” and added, “My priority is my country and its people”.

He said it was imperative for the future of Pakistan that “moderate political forces get together to meet the challenge of extremism, specially in the post election scenario.”

Referring to the ongoing spate of terrorist attacks in the country President Musharraf said, “We are in direct confrontation with the extremist forces - moderates vs extremists”. He said that we have to rise above personal, party and all other interests and look to the future of Pakistan.

He described extremism neither a pro-religion nor an anti-religion issue. He emphasized, “I am pro-religion, but do not support misinterpretation of Islam or an extremist interpretation of Islam.”

No Emergency

In response to a question about the possibility of the declaration of emergency in the country owing to the prevailing security situation, the President stated that there would be no imposition of emergency.

The President said that the emergency would not be imposed and the general elections would be held on time. The president said that the extremists want confrontation with the moderates.

President Musharraf reiterated that the elections would be held on time as required in the constitution. Prior to elections, caretaker government would be set up, he told.

Referring to the law and order situation in NWFP, the president told that the National Security Council had approved the deployment of Army in the NWFP province.

Musharraf said he would seek re-election by the parliament according to the constitution. He vowed that extremism would not be tolerated at any cost. He said steps would be taken to change the atmosphere at religious schools.

The president said that the government is trying to meet the existing situation with full force.

Replying a question about US intelligence report he said the report has no link with the reality.

The President said that the general elections would be held on time in the country. “I have no doubt in my mind in this regard,” he added.

He said a caretaker government will be announced before the general elections according to the Constitution of the country.

The President stressed upon the need for comprehensive measures to contain Talibanisation in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and some settled areas of the NWFP. He said that NWFP government was fully on board and beefing up of security forces was being carried out in consultation with the provincial chief minister.

Mainstreaming of Madaris

Referring to the mainstreaming of Madaris (religious seminaries) in the country the President stated, “Madaris must be given due recognition like other educational institutions.”

He said the only threat the country faces today is from within. He said the fight against extremism and terrorism is for the sake of the country, but it also happens to be in the interest of the global community.

President Musharraf categorically rejected the notion that there is any pressure regarding the anti-terror campaign and said that he was not serving anyone’s interests.

To a question he said the backers and financers of terrorists are being traced down.

All Parties Conference

In response to a question, the President said that he was willing to hold an All Parties Conference to evolve a common strategy for ridding the country of the malaise of extremism and terrorism.

President Musharraf strongly urged the media to play a proactive role in educating the people about the perils of extremism and terrorism and informing them about the dangers the country is facing.

He said media has a vital role to play in the efforts against extremism and terrorism and securing the country from the menace.

The media assured the President of supporting his efforts towards moderation and said a code of conduct was in the final stages of preparation.●