Pakistan Views

The European Union Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana has said war against terror in the region would continue and President Musharraf would retain presidency till retirement.
In an exclusive interview with Geo News, Solana said he strongly condemned publication of blasphemous cartoons and film against the Holy Quran and did not believe in the so-called theory of clash of civilizations.The EU foreign policy chief expressed hope that Pakistan and Afghanistan would get rid of the menace of terrorism and war on terror would continue. He said negotiations were underway in Pakistan with those who were ready to denounce terror. Solana said the EU has strongly condemned the publication of blasphemous cartoons and production of film against the Holy Quran. He said the EU constitution ensures free speech but abhors insulting other religions.Solana said interfaith dialogue would further bring civilizations closer and patch up differences.

President Pervez Musharraf has welcomed the launching of the frigate ‘PNS Zulfiqar’ in Shanghai, China today. Applauding the launch, the President said that the development of the frigate project was another landmark achievement testifying to close Pakistan- China friendship and multi-faceted cooperation.This will greatly enhance Pakistan Navy’s capability to safeguard our territorial waters and help its modernization, he added.The sea launching was done at a special ceremony in Hudong Shipyard, Shanghai which was attended by the chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir, Ambassador of Pakistan to China Salman Bashir and high ranking dignitaries from the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information and PLA Navy.The F-22 type frigate will be equipped with the state of art equipment. The project will be completed in the next five years with the commissioning of the last frigate at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.

President Pervez Musharraf is scheduled to attend the upcoming Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), said the Chinese vice Foreign Minister here on Thursday. “President Pervez Musharraf will address the ceremony at the inaugural session. During the visit the Chinese President Hu Jintao will hold official talks with him”, said Zhang Yesui while briefing the journalists on the 7th edition of the BFA scheduled for April 11 to 13 in the scenic seaside town of Boao, Hainan Province.To a question about President Musharraf’s other engagements in China, he said that when he would come to Beijing, Chairman Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao and other Chinese leaders will hold separate meetings with him.President Musharraf has also other engagements in China. Both the countries would also sign a number of cooperative agreements, the Vice-Foreign Minister added.The annual BFA meeting will focus on environment-related talks to build a sustainable Asia, he said President Hu Jintao will deliver a key note speech at the opening plenary of the 7th BFA session that will take place on April 12 in which he will present an over view of achievements and experiences obtained through thirty years of reforms and opening up policies and peaceful development.He further said that President Hu would also going to discuss the opening up strategy for mutual benefit and win-win progress. This year the theme of the BFA is “Green Asia: moving towards win-win through Changes”.He said that the theme addresses the key issues in Asia’s development. The BFA was established in 2001 as a platform for high-level interaction between leaders from Asia and the world.A number of state leaders from across the world would also attend this year’s BFA.Over the three days of the 2008 Annual Conference participants will debate the move towards energy efficiency, how to secure Asia’s future through renewable energy sources, and how the private sector can contribute to improving the environment. The 2008 event will have added significance as China marks the 30th anniversary of the introduction of the Reform and Opening Up Policy, a major milestone in China’s history, and one that set the country on the course to its current economic success.

President Pervez Musharraf said on Sunday democratic system is essential to make progress and there should be mechanism to implement the policies for the welfare and betterment of the masses.In an interview with a private TV channel, the president said there are comprehensive laws on compulsory education, but problem is their implementation. “Implementation is the most important thing in the government.” Musharraf said the government has filled the gap between policy making and implementation through revival of Local Government institutions. He said Pakistan has the potential and desire to make progress and prosperity but there is need to have good governance and dedication. Referring to the qualities of a good society, the president said, “We should have open society where every one can discuss and exchange views freely.” Replying to a question, as to how he would like to be remembered as president, he said, “I shall be remembered by the people as a person who has cared for the country, for the people and worked honestly and diligently for them.” On the question how the people should remember him as a person, the president said, “A very frank, straight forward, honest and practical person.”
Regarding any regret, the President said God has given him a lot and beyond his expectations. “I never worked and influenced any one for my promotion,” he added.
He said the most important challenge and burden is to take the country forward.
The president said decision making is also very important element in the government as the leader has to analyse the things and receive suggestions before taking final decision. He said the gut feeling, impulse and sixth sense played important role in decision making.
The president said there has been never a “dull moment” during the last eight years of his life. On the question for one year compulsory military training to every youth, the President said, there has been study on “peoples army” or compulsory army training, but it was not feasible for Pakistan’s environment.
Elaborating his answer, he said, “We need standing army due to threat on the borders, to maintain deterrence level.”Regarding potential in the country and among the people of Pakistan, he said, “We are better than many others but there is lack of leadership.”
He said, “We have travelled a lot since 1947 as there were only a few factories then but we survived.” President Musharraf said, he was a very open person who discussed the things with his colleagues, his family members, who always extend support to him in taking the decisions. President Musharraf praised his mother who he said, always helped and guided him for a successful life. He said his father was very honest and faithful person and loyal to the country and he took great care of rupees 700,000 he was carrying while travelling to Pakistan in 1947. The president said he has very friendly relations with his children and grand-children. “They are also very supportive to me in all my decisions.” Regarding relations with the children, president said, “One should be very friendly with them, guide them and train them to stand on their feet.” He said the intellectual development of the children should be the number one priority for the parents.

President Pervez Musharraf on Saturday felicitated the Chinese President Hu Jintao on his re-election for second term. Musharraf in his felicitation message to President Hu Jintao said, “On behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan and on my own behalf I wish to convey our heartiest congratulations on your re-election as the President of the People’s Republic of China by the National People’s Congress.”
He said, “Your re-election testifies to the great trust that the people of China repose in your wise leadership.” Musharraf said, “I am confident that the phenomenal socio-economic development and modernization of China will continue under your able and sagacious stewardship.” He said President Hu Jintao has been a great friend of Pakistan. “The relationship between Pakistan and China is marked by deep understanding and mutual trust. I hope this time tested friendship and cooperation between our two countries will be further strengthened in the days ahead,” said Musharraf. He said, “I wish your Excellency good health and personal happiness and greater progress and prosperity to the Chinese people.”

President Pervez Musharraf has said that political stability is his top priority and that a war between the presidency and the newly-elected parliament will be catastrophic. ‘I’m looking forward to working with this government for the full five years,’ said Musharraf, adding ‘Even my harshest critics have agreed that the recent elections were free and fair. Now, I want to build on that.’ This was stated by President Musharraf during an interview with Washington Times at a Guest Lodge adjacent to Musharraf’s residence in Rawalpindi. Casually dressed in an open-collar shirt, Musharraf scoffed at speculation in the Pakistani press that he would attempt to derail the results of February 18 elections by using his constitutional powers to dismiss parliament, or not call parliament into session. “You think someone who has spent his entire adult life defending Pakistan and the past eight years trying to put democracy back on track wants to see the government fail and the country return to political anarchy? “No I’m committed to making this work.” Musharraf’s political future looked uncertain when the two leading parties agreed to form a coalition government that would reinstate dozens of judges, who were ousted by Musharraf under a November 3 declaration of emergency rule. When asked about pressure to step down, President Musharraf replied: “The elections clearly pointed out that the Pakistan Peoples Party currently enjoys the highest percentage of the people’s confidence, no question. Reading more into it than that is risky.”
HE LISTED HIS THREE TOP PRIORITIES: political stability, the continuation of the country’s economic development and success in the war on terrorism. “You’ll notice that I listed political stability first, because without that, you cannot have the other two,” he said.
“Can you imagine what the effect would be on the business community, both foreign and domestic, or in the capitals of nations, allied with us in the war on terror if the first thing they saw after this election was a political war between the presidency and the government? I think it would be catastrophic.”
He was asked to reflect on his past eight years in power. “Obviously, the economy is in far better condition than it was when I first took office. That didn’t happen by accident. I think I made some very sound appointments, and the people I appointed did quite well.
“I’m also proud of what has been done to expand the role of women in politics. There are now 60 seats reserved for women in the National Assembly. Those seats, added to those won by women on party tickets, give women a strong say in legislative affairs. “And, of course, I’m proud of the way the recent elections were conducted.” Turning to things that could have been done better, he said he did not always do a good job of explaining exactly what he was doing and why. “But I’m not certain it would have made that much difference if I had,” he said. “I think that a number of people in the media could never see past the uniform.”

President Pervez Musharraf on Monday was forced to swallow another bitter pill as he received the advice to convene the inaugural meeting of a new parliament that is packed with more foes and few friends for him. The Prime Minister Secretariat sent the summary for seeking President’s approval for calling the National Assembly’s maiden session. Caretaker Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Afzal Haider told Business Recorder that the suggestion did not envisage any timeframe for the meeting. As usual, it is being widely feared that the weakening President would try to hit back, and delay the convening of the parliament that can get around 60 deposed judges, including former chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, back to their jobs. Musharraf met with legal aides on Monday to seek expert opinion. It gave currency to speculations that Musharraf was trying to manoeuvre through whatever strength he has been left with. But Haider said he did not feel any such thing. The Minister said he expected that the National Assembly would meet this week. “I am sure the President will call the session as soon as possible,” Haider said over the phone. “It’s not going to take long,” he added. Asked whether he had any information of Musharraf being willing to call the session soon, he said: “There are never firm guarantees in such matters. But there are some constitutional traditions which the President must follow.” Meanwhile, spokesperson for Musharraf Rashid Qureshi also confirmed the receipt of the summary and expressed hope for fixation of date for the meeting within a couple of days.

Leader of Jamiaat Ulama-i-Islam(JUI) Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman has said President Musharraf should accept that the nation has rejected him.
Talking to media after JUI meeting here on Saturday, Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman said that the meeting reviewed revival of Muttahida Majlis Amal(MMA) and vowed to support this platform if it would play active role in future.
Fazl-ur-Rehman said that if Jamaat-i-Islmai had not boycotted the polls, we would have been in process of making government in Frontier.
Commenting on President Musharraf’s remarks about defeat of extremists in current elections, Fazal said the President should accept that the nation has also rejected him and his supporters.

President General Pervez Musharraf on Saturday has arrived here to inaugurate TV Centre at Radio Station Building.
The president has inaugurated the TV Centre and he is addressing the ceremony.
The security has been beefed up in the city during the visit of the president in the city.

President Pervez Musharraf has expressed the hope that the newly elected government would further enhance and integrate the role of women in national development.
“Pakistan joins the international community to commemorate the International Women’s Day on March 8, to focus attention and reaffirm our commitment towards a better and safe future for women”, the President stated in a message on the occasion. He said this year’s theme ‘Investing in Women and Girls’, highlights the need to address and target the issues being confronted by women and girls throughout the country by way of providing greater resources not only in financial terms but also through bringing positive change in the mindset of the people. “I am pleased to mention that in the recent years there has been a firm commitment and political will at the highest level of governance to enhance the status of women in society and ensure their full and effective participation in the mainstream development”, he added. The President said under the firm commitment for gender equality and gender mainstreaming, necessary measures and initiatives will continue to be taken to safeguard the women’s rights and interests including those of the girls within all available resources. He congratulated the women from Pakistan as well as from across the world for their relentless efforts and sacrifices they have made and are still making to free this world from any form of discrimination, oppression and biases. The President expressed the hope that “the newly elected government would further enhance and integrate the role of women in national development and would certainly concentrate on devising policies, programmes and strategies to fully utilize the expanding role of women in making the country peaceful and prosperous with zero gender discrimination.”