Suspending military aid: Musharraf laments strained Pak-US ties
“We are weakening the country and the army,” Musharraf said during an address at Rice University’s Baker Institute of Public Policy. “It will have a negative effect certainly on the Pakistan army, on its capability to fight terrorism.”
He said he was saddened by the confrontation between Pakistan and the US, as well as their armies and intelligence services.
"It saddens me because I remember when there was trust," he said, pointing to what he said were his strong relationships with President George W Bush and then-Secretary of State Colin Powell.
"I could pick up the phone," he said. "The line was always open. I wonder now if that degree of communication exists."
The former president said restoration of better relations depended on leadership and straightforward talks.
He said this could begin with Islamabad’s "top level" assurances to Washington that Pakistan was not providing a safe haven to Osama bin Laden.
The former military ruler's tenure as president included the years bin Laden apparently moved to the compound in Abbottabad, home of Pakistan's military academy, where he was killed May 2 by US commandos during a covert raid.
As he has in the past, Musharraf denied he or Pakistan's domestic spy services knew of bin Laden's location, at least during his time in power.
"For two years, I can for sure, with 100 per cent guarantee, whether you believe it or not, I didn't know," he said.
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@Mohan Ram: We did not get rid of him rather there were few people like lawyers and media funded from outside did not like Pakistan to progress and started fake rallies and protests against him.Finally he stepped down voluntarily.
@Jon. I think there is something wrong with your hearing.
For the record, Musharraf doubled Pakistan's GDP in 9 years (World Bank), made Pakistan go from the second most corrupt country to the 48th by 2008 (Transparency International) and made Pakistan's exports and tax grow by 200 per cent and 400 per cent respectively (World Bank). I think these are major achievements and we would be lucky to have him back.
@Arjit Sharma : No I am pure Punjabi/Pakistani, and I support Musharraf, He is much popular all over the country among the people who has their independent opinion and not impressed by fundamental and ridicule media groups
@Q: If general mush was so great then, why did you get rid of him
@saad: Mohajir was the word given by those who were already living on this side, this was not by choice.
@saad: He was going to transform Pakistan to Malaysia but many did not like this and started unnessary protests and rallies on non issues and stopped all developments reversed Pakistan to stone age
the present govt is a gift of musharraf thru NRO. right? btw is he another mahatir or lee kuan yew that he is invited to address forums, varsities etc? did he transform pakistan into malaysia or singapore? howcome we never get to see even an excerpt of his papers read aboard, or any footage on youtube? n on the other hand he wrote a book while fighting terrorism!! so much time!! no wonder he wasnt aware of obl's whereabouts. how could he be while blowing his own trumpet - with the thought of cleaning the tosha khaana before leaving pakistan. like i said before mr. pigeon chested should clamp up, n i agree with jon that he is a liar. n so do many.
@Arijit Sharma: who are muhajirs? refugees right? do hindus and sikhs who moved to india after partition called muhajirs? if pakistan existed before 47 n muslims had crossed the border fleeing from the atrocities of hindus or british then they would have been labeled muhajirs otherwise pakistan was carved for the muslims of indian sub continent. to think of it jews from all over who move to live in israel are not called refugees. considering kashmir wants to be independent then kashmiris in pakistan can be called muhajirs.
@Jon: I think you were sleeping and dreaming
With Zardari and others corrupts in power, from Karachi to Peshawar, I am glad the aid has been stopped. I disagree, with Musharraf on this issue. Pakistan is not the same, when he was there. Just, look at Sind, bringing back old British System, so that an appointed person can be at the mercy of CM. Even, in England they have an elected Mayor.
@Arijit Sharma: I always wonder if he is supported only by Mohajirs (or Hindustani as some people call them) then why the dam Indians are always against Musharraf . This gave him enough credibility to stand out a true pakistani leader !!!!!
We are all Pakistanis not divided by ethinicty even if our so called politicians try to use these cards
He is the true leader of Pakistan and everybody who watched this show can see that . When he returns ,he will get support from all pakistanis and Indians will be very sad ..
I attended the event featuring the speech from Pervez Musharraf last night at Rice University. Pervez Musharraf lied with almost every breath, quoted Saddam Hussein, blamed the US CIA for Osama bin Laden being in Pakistan, recommended exterminating the Pashtun people in Afghanistan, and is in support of organizing a muslim military Mujahideen group to overthrow the current government of Pakistan, and resume war with India over Kashmir. Pervez Musharraf did not acknowledge that he is wanted in Pakistan for murder including the assassination of Bhutto.
In summary, Pervez Musharraf admitted he is an organizer of terrorism, enemy of the United States, and India, and wants to engage in genocide of the Pashtun people.
Amir
Thats because the other parties buy votes. have you seen the people who make up the other parties, they are all rich landlords - no wonder they refuse land reforms!
@Rehan - who are you fooling? Earthquake rehabilitation served as a model program in the region.
Also read World Bank Report: during Musharraf era poverty reduced from 34% to 17%. Before making false alegations one should think twice.
Pakistan, like India has the potential to encourage a real visionary econommist politician to run. Honesty and little tolerence for corruption will help. Re-electing a military man, like Musharraf is stupid. The military man thinks of solutions in his mindset. Gadafi, Saddam Hussein, Castro, Alexander, Caesar. Conquering and looting to sustain the economies back home is not viable. Ruling efficiently is sustainable. India is certainly headed in the right direction. Aligning with India and not China is more realistic. China will expand its influence and poor Pakistan will ebcome poorer. Mush sees that.
Musharraf has been the best leader of pakistan in last 20 years........no one else comes even close......he made a few mistakes near the end of his term, but he has openly admitted to his mistakes............whats sad in pakistan is that you can kill people, lie with your hand on quran, openly hate pakistan and blatantly steal and STILL get elected by your people, PPP, PML, MQM............yet people who are sincere like PTI and to some extent Musharraf never get a chance or a second chance at redemption.
Why should Pakistan give assurances to the US. Pakistan just needs to say thank you to tthe US.
Mr. Rehan - You are sadly mistaken. If you are asked to produce proof of your allegations, I am sure you will have none. Your comment is a mere conjecture. For your information and others, U.N. called earthquake rehabilitation efforts in Pakistan, a model for the world. Please get hold of facts. Regards.
@Rehan: You need to give yourself a brake and stop making foolish comments on behalf of all the people in Pakistan. Musharaf was corrupt is your solitary view and not the view of majority. Plus there is no proof or allegation (serious ones) that links musharaf with corruption!
He was right and he is right and im pretty sure he is right person to lead Pakistan
@ Arijit Sharma I am Pakistani. No one supports Musharraf here. He was a corrupt dictator who lived like a king and achieved very little (earthquake victims still don't have shelter). We are very glad he's gone. Regards, Rehan
@Arijit...with all the difficulties he had during his time we think he did a pretty decent job...had there been "this democracy" back in 2001 i feel we would have been lower than ethiopia by now!
Thank You Mr. Musharraf, you have always been an envoy of Pakistan, a good ambassador and well wisher of Pakistanis, we appreciate and admire your past years and present support for the torn nation.
We are waiting for the election to vote for you.
@Arijit Sharma: Musharraf's standing in the international community is far more then any other leader.
Mr. Sharma. No, he is not supported by the "Muhajirs" you are talking about. He is supported by the people of Pakistan, which mainly include the educated middle-class of Pakistan. Therefore, please take stock of all details before making such comments. Regards.
@Arijit Sharma:
musharraf brough great prosperity to pakistan.. he had better know how of how to run the economy and ensure security (keep in mind security lapses happen everywhere afte all 9/11 did happen as well)..
with all due apologies i think ur out of ur depth here!
@Arijit Sharma All Pakistanis support Musharraf. We miss him and we need him back.
“For two years, I can for sure, with 100 per cent guarantee, whether you believe it or not, I didn’t know,”
With due apologies to the Pakistani people - Musharraf is a megalomaniac. Is it true that he is supported only by the Muhajirs ?
“I could pick up the phone,” he said. “The line was always open. I wonder now if that degree of communication exists.”
no it doesnt because every time the phone is answered a greedy paki begs for money which adds to his bank account arther than using it for our troops