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Afghan war responsible for extremism: Akram
Munir Akram, Pakistans permanent representative at the United Nations, has said that Islamic extremism has not grown during President Musharrafs term of office, arguing that its origins lie in the anti-Soviet war in Afghanistan 25 years ago. The origin of the problem of extremism lies in the use of jihadis against the Soviets, he pointed out in a CNN interview over the weekend.Asked about a CIA claim that Al Qaeda has regrouped in Pakistan, Akram said, I think that estimate has to be balanced with what you have also heard from Ambassador Boucher who deals with our region and he said, if Pakistan was not fighting terrorism there is no way that you could win in Afghanistan nor could you ensure the Security of the homeland, if Pakistan was not fighting terrorism. So we are fighting terrorism and if there is any evidence of presence of Al Qaeda, we shall go and eliminate it. When reminded that the Lal Masjid operation had shown that Islamist extremism has reached the big cities of Pakistan, Akram responded that Pakistan is a free country with people who have different views. Islamic extremists in Pakistan are a very small minority though they appear in various places. Pakistan has dealt with the problem in a very effective way, doing its best to save lives and avoid causing casualties. But in the final analysis, I think it has demonstrated that we are against terrorism, that we are capable of effective action so that innocent lives are not lost, but at the same time we try to address issues in a humanitarian way, and I think that has been demonstrated in the operation we have conducted. We will be able to cope with all the backlash and we have an effective army and effective law enforcement agencies to be able to do so. Answering a question about the peace deal made by the government in Waziristan, Akram said in fighting terrorism, Pakistan has lost more lives than anybody else in this war against terror. We have captured 500 Al Qaeda, we have captured 1,500 Taliban and we are determined to put down extremism and terrorism in all its forms. I think after the action against the Lal Masjid, there should be no doubt about the determination of President Musharraf and the government of Pakistan towards dealing with extremism and terrorism. There can be no doubt, despite all the doubts that have been cast by non-objective reporting, if I may say so. Wherever this challenge arises we deal with it. Of course we will try to deal with it in accordance with the rule of law but when the rule of law is challenged by extremists and terrorists we shall use all the force necessary to impose it, he added. Posted by: Fred 2007-07-16 |
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