Pervez vows full support for Karzai
Kabul, April 2
Kabul, April 2
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, on his first visit to the Afghan capital, pledged full support for the interim administration of Mr Hamid Karzai today.
“Our plan is his plan,’’ General Musharraf told a news conference, sitting alongside Mr Karzai, whom he called repeatedly “my brother’’.
“I made it absolutely clear that Pakistan had only one aim — to assist Afghanistan,’’ he said of his talks with Mr Karzai.
General Musharraf said Pakistan had arrested a man believed to be Abu Zubaydah, a top lieutenant of Al-Qaida leader Bin Laden, and handed him over to the USA.
Zubaydah would be the highest ranking Al-Qaida member in US custody and one US official said: “We are virtually certain it is him’’.
Pakistan’s military ruler, who suggested earlier this year Bin Laden might be dead, said he had no solid information on the fugitive Al-Qaida leader’s whereabouts.
The two leaders dismissed talk of lingering mistrust between their countries, with Mr Karzai saying his government, formed from the opposition to the ultra-Islamic Taliban, was united in welcoming General Musharraf.
“Sometimes there are disagreements between brothers, but I have no reason to believe we can’t overcome those differences,’’ General Musharraf said.
Mr Karzai and General Musharraf said they would make a joint effort to fight terrorism and eradicate opium poppy trade.
“Our plan is his plan,’’ General Musharraf told a news conference, sitting alongside Mr Karzai, whom he called repeatedly “my brother’’.
“I made it absolutely clear that Pakistan had only one aim — to assist Afghanistan,’’ he said of his talks with Mr Karzai.
General Musharraf said Pakistan had arrested a man believed to be Abu Zubaydah, a top lieutenant of Al-Qaida leader Bin Laden, and handed him over to the USA.
Zubaydah would be the highest ranking Al-Qaida member in US custody and one US official said: “We are virtually certain it is him’’.
Pakistan’s military ruler, who suggested earlier this year Bin Laden might be dead, said he had no solid information on the fugitive Al-Qaida leader’s whereabouts.
The two leaders dismissed talk of lingering mistrust between their countries, with Mr Karzai saying his government, formed from the opposition to the ultra-Islamic Taliban, was united in welcoming General Musharraf.
“Sometimes there are disagreements between brothers, but I have no reason to believe we can’t overcome those differences,’’ General Musharraf said.
Mr Karzai and General Musharraf said they would make a joint effort to fight terrorism and eradicate opium poppy trade.
Why is it important to have Karzai and Musharraf engaged without the assistance of the USA?
Because only they can compassionately assist their people to a joint peace while defeating the 'terrorist culture' within each country's borders. Now some would debate whether President Musharraf is capable of leading Pakistan into peace in the region because of internal confict he sometimes illicits due to political positioning to maintain his status as President. A status advocated by Bush so there is a 'consistent' government within Pakistan to handle the demands placed by Bush in his "War on Terror." "Global Terror" if you will. Is that 'status' good for the people of Pakistan? Is that status good for the people of Afghanistan?
To some extent, it is my concern/contention that the people of Pakistan are 'stuck' with Musharraf because of Bush. One never hears Mr. Bush ever complain openly about the Pakistani president even in the face of unconstitutional 'maneuvering' to insure his place. Consider the issue at contention in Pakistan regarding a judge that has spoken out against President Musharraf.
This article below regarding the judge is from an Indian newspaper which would normally be met with criticism because India (an illegal nuclear nation) opposes Musharraf, especially when it comes to Kashmir. This article, however, raises many interesting and valid points. There is also the issue of Musharraf's continued 'coup' directive to insure his status as president. Why? If Musharraf claims to want the best for the people of Pakistan, why deny them the right to chose their leadership? He is afraid of the return of a more violent government? More oppressive? Was Pakistan 'that bad off' before he took control of the government there? If it was why was there little to no 'trouble' with terrorist networks? It is a known fact that Musharraf was a friend of Osama.
Many of the 'actions' taken by Musharraf decry 'reason' if indeed he is interested in instilling democracy. I don't believe democracy is his goal. Sincerely. To this day, regardless of his ability to round up some al Qaeda in Pakistan, I have yet to understand the future of Pakistan post Musharraf and when exactly will Musharraf step aside as President? Never? Where is all this headed and why does Karzai have such opposing views of President Musharraf while Bush sees an ally? Why doesn't Karzai see that same ally?
Too many questions regarding the future of Pakistan, while a resurgence of the Taliban occurred inside the borders of Pakistan. Is the Musharraf government a success or failure? And for whom?
'Chief Justice's Suspension Coup Against Judiciary' (click here)
Friday 22nd of June 2007 The suspension of Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry was 'a coup against the judiciary' planned by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and his government, the chief justice's counsel has submitted before the Supreme Court here.There were 42 references filed before the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), but the one filed by Musharraf against the suspended chief justice was being pursued with a 'maddening rush and frenzy' even though it was numbered 43, Aitzaz Ahsan submitted before a 13-judge bench of the apex court on Thursday.Besides being discriminatory, this was tantamount to a 'coup' against the apex court, Ahsan was quoted as saying by Daily Times.
Friday 22nd of June 2007 The suspension of Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry was 'a coup against the judiciary' planned by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and his government, the chief justice's counsel has submitted before the Supreme Court here.There were 42 references filed before the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), but the one filed by Musharraf against the suspended chief justice was being pursued with a 'maddening rush and frenzy' even though it was numbered 43, Aitzaz Ahsan submitted before a 13-judge bench of the apex court on Thursday.Besides being discriminatory, this was tantamount to a 'coup' against the apex court, Ahsan was quoted as saying by Daily Times.
