Musharraf urges US to show ‘understanding’: Anti-terror war discussed with congressional team
By Ihtasham ul Haque
ISLAMABAD, Sept 15: President Pervez Musharraf told a visiting US Congressional delegation on Saturday that the US must avoid negative elements as proposed in the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations which placed conditions for cooperation with Pakistan.
“The US needs to understand Pakistan’s efforts in fighting terrorism,” he said.
The president was talking to a seven-member bi-partisan US Congressional delegation, led by Minority Leader in the House of Representatives Congressman John Andrew Boehner, which called on him.
“There is no safe haven for terrorists and that Pakistan was determined not to allow its territory to be used by anyone for terrorist activity,” he added.
He stressed the need for better understanding in the United States and its media of Pakistan’s efforts to curb terrorism.
The delegation members agreed with the need for mutual understanding and avoiding elements that could harm the relationship.
According to an official announcement, Gen Musharraf also reiterated Pakistan’s strong resolve to fight extremism and terrorism.
The meeting discussed Pakistan-US relations, counter-terrorism efforts and Afghanistan.
The president said that Pakistan and the US were committed to building a broad-based, long-term and sustainable relationship, adding that his country was keen to further expand its relations in the social sector, particularly education.
He said that Pakistan was fighting war against terrorism and extremism in its own national interest. The president elaborated the strategy being pursued in dealing with terrorist and extremist elements.
Gen Musharraf apprised the delegation of Pakistan’s holistic, four-pronged strategy being followed in Fata -- with its military, political, administrative and development components.
He said Pakistan sought US support for reconstruction opportunity zones (ROZs), Fata development plan and capacity building of Frontier Constabulary.
The delegation members underscored the importance the US attached to its partnership with Pakistan and the desire to expand cooperation in diverse fields. The delegation lauded Pakistan’s commitment to fight extremism and terrorism and recognised its contribution to counter-terrorism efforts.
They assured US support for ROZs, Fata development plan and FC capacity building.
The president said that Pakistan was making all-out efforts to control cross-border movement and address issues relating to Afghan refugees and their repatriation to Afghanistan.
Stressing that Pakistan was doing all it could to strengthen security on its side of the border, the president urged the Afghan government and coalition forces to do needful on the other side.
The Congressional delegation members include John Andrew Boehner, Pat Tiberi, Peter Hoekstra, Tom Latham, Devin Nunes, Charles Wilson and Peter King.
Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri, US Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson and Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US Mahmud Ali Durrani were also present.
