KABUL, June 16: Reiterating his stand on hot pursuit targeting ‘terrorist sanctuaries in Pakistan,’ Afghan President Afghan Karzai said on Monday that his statement was not directed against Pakistan.

Talking to a group of Pakistani journalists who called on him at the heavily fortified Gulkhana Palace, President Karzai said the two governments should join hands to wipe out the elements working against peace and stability and against the innocent people on either side of the border. He said militant leaders Baitullah Mehsud and Maulana Fazlullah were enemies of the Pukhtuns.

“I am very serious because it is a very serious matter. When Baitullah Mehsud and Mulla Fazl make statements about going into Afghanistan to kill innocent people, what do you expect us to do. What would the government of Pakistan do in such a situation,” he asked.

He nevertheless made it clear that he was not showing any disrespect to the civilian government of Pakistan, and said that he had held good conversations with PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and PML-N leader Mian Nawaz Sharif.

The president said he did not feel that the civilian government was responsible for the situation. Mr Karzai said his remarks were aimed at spelling out his government’s right to defend itself. He said Baitullah Mehsud and Maulana Fazlullah were burning schools in Swat, Mardan and elsewhere.

“They must pay for their crimes and even if they don’t come to Afghanistan and if they burn schools I will treat them as enemies. It is a very, very serious matter.

“If the government of Pakistan can bring to justice the two and the likes of them on its own, we have no objection, but we want results,” said President Karzai who seemed to be pushing Pakistan towards accepting joint action against extremists in the tribal areas.

He pointed out that Baitullah Mehsud had been accused by the government of Pakistan of killing former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and of many suicide bombings, asking how the government could negotiate with such a person.

“If you are negotiating with Taliban, we don’t mind because we are also doing it.”

When asked about peace deals being worked out by the Awami National Party with the militants, he said that ANP was a responsible party and it had suffered for the Pukhtun cause. “If they are doing it they are doing it with good intentions. We will back them.” It was surprising that Mr Karzai was willing to support ANP’s initiative in dealing with Taliban and other elements but he had implied reservations on others dealing with them.

Mr Karzai seemed to be attempting to speak for all Pukhtuns on either side of the Durand Line. While making it clear that his earlier statement was not directed against Pakistan, President Karzai said: “But if my land or people are attacked I have the right to defend.” He said terrorism was a common enemy and both the governments should join hands to deal with the problem. He said promoting radicalism was a serious mistake and it should be stopped before it was too late.

He stressed the need for wiping out sanctuaries of militants.

About his government’s negotiations with Hizbe Islami leader Gulbadin Hekmatyar, the Afghan president said: “If he is ready for negotiations, we will talk to him because he is an Afghan.”