WASHINGTON, Feb 14: President Gen Pervez Musharraf told the US Congress on Thursday “the eyes of all Pakistanis” were fixed on the United States and its support.
“The eyes of all Pakistanis ... are focused on the physical manifestation of the support that the US is giving to Pakistan,” Musharraf told the House of Representatives’ International Relations Committee.
The president recalled the reforms made in his country and stressed that he had “taken a number of measures” to curb extremist movements there.
He also insisted that the people of Pakistan “want peace with India” and assured members of Congress that “there is no doubt” elections would take place in October.
“I am for democracy,” Musharraf said.
“We want Pakistan to be a liberal, tolerant and strong Islamic state,” he said, adding that Pakistan “is a moderate Islamic state” which could “project moderation all over the Islamic world.” In turn, members of Congress applauded Musharraf’s efforts and voiced their support for Pakistan.
“This committee will never forget your work,” Chairman Henry Hyde told Musharraf.
“Your efforts were very, very greatly appreciated. They have not gone unnoticed in this Congress,” House Speaker Dennis Hastert said at a bicameral meeting earlier in the day, adding: “We stand by you.”
DANIEL PEARL: President Pervez Musharraf on Thursday dismissed claims by the alleged kidnapper of US journalist Daniel Pearl that the reporter was dead, and said his government was exerting “all kinds of pressure” to secure his release.
“I can’t comment with any degree of surety. I hope and pray that he is alive,” Gen Musharraf told reporters in Congress here after meeting with lawmakers.
“There is a key personality (Omar) who is under custody and he is the man who is creating a little degree of confusion by saying something one day and another thing the other day... But we are not believing him.”
“We are putting all kinds of pressure. All the intelligence agencies in Pakistan, including the FBI, are on the case,” he added.—AFP
