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| May 26, 2005 | Thursday | Rabi-us-Sani 17, 1426 |
Musharraf’s agenda has British support, says diplomat
PESHAWAR, May 25: British High Commissioner to Pakistan Mark Lyall Grant has said that his country supports the ‘enlightened moderation and liberal democratic agenda’ of President Gen Pervez Musharraf and does not consider him a dictator. Speaking at the Peshawar Press Club’s Guest’s Hour programme on Wednesday, he urged rulers of the Muslim world to follow the steps of President Musharraf who, according to him, had put Pakistan on a democratic path by giving considerable representation to women in elected forums, introducing devolution of power and lifting curbs on the press.
Mr Grant said he found no similarities between Gen Zia and Gen Musharraf and added it was not his business to compare the two generals.
He said Gen Musharraf had bravely contributed to the war against terrorism which posed a serious threat to world peace.
The British envoy supported Gen Musharraf’s decision to retain uniform and said he belived he would gradually restore ‘real’ democracy in the country.
He clarified that the UK government believed in having relations with countries rather than individuals.
The United Kingdom gave importance to its relations with Pakistan and India and was trying to help them in resolving the Kashmir issue, he added.
He said: “We are helping Pakistan on both external and internal fronts to see it develop into a prosperous country. We support the peace process initiated by Gen Musharraf and Atal Behari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh. We also appreciate Pakistan’s present stand on Afghanistan and its efforts to curb drug trafficking.”
Mr Grant rejected the perception that allies had shelved their war against Al Qaeda after the occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq. He said Pakistan alone had arrested 700 Al Qaeda militants and its operation against terrorists was continuing unabatedly.
Referring to the theory of clash of civilizations, he said it was a wrong perception that Muslims were victims of Western wrath after 9/11. Similarly, he said, it was also wrong that only Muslims were responsible for terrorism across the world.
About the blasphemy law, he said: “We also have a blasphemy law but oppose its abuse whether it is done by Muslims or Christians. We respect all holy books, including the Holy Quran. We oppose desecration of holy books, including the Bible.
The British high commissioner said ministerial visits between the two countries had resulted into increased investments in social sectors in Pakistan.
The United Kingdom, he said, had made an investment of 75 million pound sterling for improving education system, health facilities and governance in Pakistan. Besides investing in Punjab and the NWFP, the UK had funded a number of health projects at the federal level, he added.
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