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ISLAMABAD, Sept 27: President Gen Pervez Musharraf advised India here on Friday to overcome its internal problems rather than putting blame on Pakistan for everything.
Talking to reporters after a function, he rejected Indian allegations that Pakistan was involved in a recent attack at a Gujarat temple.
“What is going on in that Indian state is a fallout of the killing of thousands of Muslims,” he said, adding that India should set its own house in order rather than indulging in mudslinging.
Responding to a question about the possibility of war, the president said there was no imminent danger but the nation must have confidence in its defence force.
He said Pakistan was fully prepared to thwart any misadventure and that no one should harbour any ill-intentions against the country.
Asked who could be behind recent terrorist act in Karachi and Thursday’s train accident, the president said the possibility of RAW’s involvement could not be ruled out.
He, however, said unlike India, Pakistan would not blame others without first investigating the incident. “Investigation is under way to find out who could be behind these acts — foreign hand, Al Qaeda’s involvement or some extremist elements.”
He was confident that the culprits would soon be apprehended.
NATIONAL MONUMENT: Earlier, the president laid the foundation-stone of a national monument, at Shakarparian, a picturesque spot of the federal capital. The monument is being erected in Islamabad in memory of all those who sacrificed their lives or dedicated themselves in the service of the motherland in different fields.
The 75-foot-high monument, to be completed in two years, will be visible from different points of the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Speaking on the occasion, he said construction of the monument was a tribute to all great people who either sacrificed their lives during partition, wars or natural calamities or contributed to the progress and development of the country in different fields like science, arts, industry, economy and agriculture.
President Musharraf said he conceived the idea during his visits abroad when he was often taken to venues of cultural, historical or ethnic display. “Even in Vietnam there is an Ethno-Cultural Museum dedicated to history and culture of the country.”
He said his government had always strived to promote art and culture in the country. Pakistan, he added, had a very rich art and culture but capabilities and potential of Pakistani artists had remained dormant because of the lack of encouragement.
“We have relegated art and culture to gun-culture,” he regretted.
FLAYS KILLINGS: Digressing from the topic, the president condemned in the strongest terms the recent killing of Christians in Karachi. He said, “This act of wanton terrorism and fanaticism” perpetuated by some elements “is a shame for us.”
It was, he lamented, a pity that some elements thought that religion could be promoted by getting rid of people of different faith. Musharraf said this uneducated attitude was most regrettable. “We can promote our great religion by excelling in human qualities, human potential and mental capabilities.”
He hoped that wisdom would dawn upon those having backward view of promoting religion. “Allah Almighty will not forgive such fanatics.”
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES: The president said he had told the governors to initiate cultural activities in provincial capitals. Two major steps had been taken, he said, adding that a plan was under implementation to expand the Lok Virsa into a historical regional cultural museum.
Together with this, he went on to say, the need was felt for the national monument to be dedicated to the people of Pakistan. He hoped that it would contribute to the unity, glory and progress of Pakistan.
Musharraf said the design of the monument was selected by a jury of professionals from amongst the entries received for the purpose by the Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners.
The winning design was that of architect Arif Masood, who received a cash award of Rs200,000.
Second prize went to Naveed Aslam, who was awarded Rs150,000 cash prize and the third to Salman Mansoor, who received Rs100,000. Prizes worth Rs25,000 each were given to the rest of the participants of the competition.
Minister for Culture Col S.K. Tressler (retired), on the occasion, said 20 entries were received for the design competition and the winner was selected through a fair and transparent process.
Secretary Culture Tariq Janjua said top architects of the country formed the jury for selection of the best design for the national monument. Jury Chairman Arshad Abdullah explained the traits of the design approved for the purpose.
