Pakistan

Musharraf refutes charges against ISI

Musharraf rejects allegations that elements from ISI had supported the Taliban over the years.

Agencies November 14, 2010

WASHINGTON: Former military ruler Pervez Musharraf has rejected allegations that elements from the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) had supported the Taliban over the years, saying that such accusations were unhelpful in the fight against militants.

“It is absolutely wrong to say that the ISI is still connected to the Taliban. I can give proof that the Pakistan Army has suffered over 2,500 deaths for which al Qaeda and the Taliban were responsible,” he said during a speaking tour of the US.

He admitted that he expected serious repercussions from Taliban elements on his possible return to Pakistan, because he had taken stringent action against them. While acknowledging that the army was unlikely to welcome him back, he said he wanted to return “through the mandate of the people.”

He also scoffed at being compared to current political leaders, especially Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif, adding that all elected governments have failed the country.

“The important thing for an elected government is to deliver to the people and to the state. If that is not happening, then it’s a problem,” Musharraf remarked.

“Unfortunately, the civil governments have never performed. And I repeat, never performed in their history,” he added.

Referring to cases against him, he said that despite serious allegations, there were no cases against him in any court of Pakistan. Out of the many cases filed by the PML-N, some have already fizzled out, while the rest were politically motivated. He vowed to defend all politically-inspired cases.

During other appearances before the US audiences, Musharraf criticised the response of President Asif Ali Zardari and the civilian government to floods that affected 21 million people.

When inquired about the US drone attacks in Pakistan, he stated, “Drone attacks violate

Pakistan’s sovereignty and have caused too many civilian deaths. I always suggested that the drones should be handed over to Pakistan.”

He also declared the statement of former prime minister Mir Zafarullah Jamali regarding Musharraf’s endeavours to have his portrait imprinted on currency notes as a sheer joke, adding that Jamali was either delirious or was overwhelmed by Nawaz Sharif.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 14^th, 2010.

COMMENTS (17)

SKChadha | 13 years ago | Reply @ Maulana Halwa: To my understanding, in Kargil, most of Pak soldiers who died on Indian side of LOC were from erstwhile Northern Light Infantry. They were used as ‘Bali Ka Bakra’. The Pak establishment at that time refused even to accept their bodies. This has caused lot of heart burn in G-B and PHK against regular dominating Punjabi Army. Is it correct?

hassan | 13 years ago | Reply the country is crying out for musharraf! save us!

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Syed Haider Ali | 13 years ago | Reply Sir Musharraf is a best choice for Pakistan to run this country he respects all law enforcing agencies of Pakistan and he is sincere in making this country a successful and developed country his time was best in Pakistans history

Sergoosh | 13 years ago | Reply Musharaf is totally right. there is no such governament in pakistan. corruption is being happend every department. no planing can be seen in pakistan. all the corrupted politicians are governing pakistan so you can see 40 Choor in pakistan.

Maulana Halwa | 13 years ago | Reply @Arif. The prime directive of the Armed forces should be to defend it's Motherland not be an aggresive force against its neighbour. When the time was to defend, the then East Pakistan, the Army totaly failed. Kargil was an adventurism by some misguided Army generals causing unnecassary deaths. Pakistanis in general should change their mindset towards its neighbours. War is not the answer and never is. Perhaps friendly ties and trade may goes a longer way to stablise the region.

Babruk | 13 years ago | Reply civil govts have never performed, i agree, because army never let them. I would quit pakistan if people are so foolish to elect this boastful violator of constitution.

Sheikh MUhammad Ayaz | 13 years ago | Reply USA do not forget that Mr.Bush expressed about Mr.Musharraf strong leader first time in history of Pakistan super power President expressed his words about any leader of Pakistan was it joke the country still getting hold all over the world having strong Intelligent Mr.Musharraf never had and has a soft corner for India during his tenure and after till date. This is the main example of him how patriotic personality he has . He was the HERO of Kargil , he really took revenge of 1971 it was the really judgement period when India was at a point of surrender which was turned down by our serial killer Mian Nawaz Sharif that our army faced damages instead of victory. Every thing can be waved except history which will prove Mr. Musharraf as our National Hero.*

ProPublicBono | 13 years ago | Reply It is high time,now this blame game should be stopped, in my humble viewcan not put away everybody put away their difference and do work for betterment of our Country . Pointing fingers at each other , give only bad image to Pakistan. United we stand, divided we fall, we can not afford it,please think about this. Media is strong should exposed all corrupts. As truth always win

abid mohiuddin | 13 years ago | Reply Agree with you Mr. Arif 110% Can no body see why Nawaz Sharif not asking for inquiry into Kargil any more ?? Musharraf's Leadership was the greatest after Quad e Azam Sub Se Pahle Pakistan

Anoop | 13 years ago | Reply A former Pakistani general defending the ISI. Really fresh. Is it really surprising? If ISI doesn't protect the Haqqani wing of the Taliban, then why have they bombed South Waziristan to smithereens but not used the same weapons on North Waziristan? Why has Pakistan not declared the Haqqanis ,who have control over North Waziristan, criminals? Sooner or later the Haqqanis too are going to turn and Musharaff will start that RAW is behind them like they have done when Baitullah had turned against Pakistan.

Maulana Halwa | 13 years ago | Reply Undoubtedly Musharraf performance has been the best so far but like most leaders( of Pakistan) when crises hit they are ready to trade with the devil to hang on to power. No leader in Pakistan has yet had the courage and determination to change the infrastructure required to put the NATION of pakistan on the road to prosperity. They become the victim of the corrupts, Landlords, Mafia and the Army just to hang on to Power. Musharraf what would you do differently to bring nation of Pakistan to the 21 century. This is what the people wants to know before they give you another chance.

zafer | 13 years ago | Reply He is the only honest and patriotic leader in Pakistan. whereas rest are either busy eating nihari and stealing or partying and stealing.

arif jamal | 13 years ago | Reply Yes Musharraf created Kargil war and inflicted heavy loss to Indian army this has changed the perception of Indian army about their supremacy over Pakistan in conventional war this had proved during great Indian army mobilization alongside Indo-Pak borders during the tenure of Vajpaee sahib as a prime minister. when Indian and Pakistani army were in eye ball to eye ball position but despite having greater size of army and conventional weapons. They dint cross the border because of the ghost of Kargil prevailed into their minds. yes we had suffered loss of life when we were being retreated but it was pure the failure of our political leadership who dint get the safe passage for our jawans in exchange of quitting enemy territory. Even the Indian general recently conceded defeat in Kargil war.

User | 13 years ago | Reply its wrong to say that just our army was involved in the relief efforts...all the political parties workers were also on the screen...but wat they did....nothing....coz those who were the real victims of floods were majority ignored by the ruling parties...the watan cards were distributed as VOTE reward for the workers of thier parties...it is our army that distrbuted the aid without any discrimnation....Pak Army Zindabad

Bean | 13 years ago | Reply ISI in combination with Musharaff are enough to take Pak backwords in time. A sincere leader working in interests of Pak people with intentions of friendly relationship with immediate neighbours to flourish trade is needed if pak is to come anywhere near survival. Once the war in Afg is over US will never have any interest in Pak.. they you are left on your own.. better stop relying on their aid, use your head and do some thing sensible.

S. Ali Raza | 13 years ago | Reply This is because the Government of PPP is themselves saying on a regular basis that the ISI has rogue elements within them. Must check out their articles about the ISI on PPP's covert propaganda page www.lubp.com So the ISI should be shutting up the government before countering what Hillary says in her meetings. It our own that create the confusions.

captainjohann | 13 years ago | Reply He created kargil war and he now blames its repercussions on Nawaz sheriff who was the elected leader.Same is the case with all Military dictators who never allowed Bhutto or benazir to function with a free hand. Today Zardari is not allowed to have friendship with India and Afghanistan.But when US supports India for security council seat it is Zardari who has to take the blame. Again the flood control is handled by Army and civilians were not allowed to use the donations.

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