Military responsible for religious extremism in Pakistan
Rediff: Pakistan's former prime minister Benazir Bhutto regretted that the international community has failed to work for restoration of democratic rule in Pakistan, which has now become a hotbed of "tyranny and terrorism".
Addressing a press conference in Washington at the 'Voice of America' premises she said the military regime is to be blamed for the rise and dominance of religious parties in Pakistan.
"These parties fully back Osama bin Laden and the Taliban and hence extremism had replaced moderation in the country. The Taliban is in full command of the Waziristan region and the military has abdicated all its rights there," she said.
Stressing the importance of democracy in Pakistan for the success of the war on terrorism, she said people are being alienated and "as a result a very active secessionist movement is in Pakistan and those who lead it have called for United Nations intervention." She said the public confidence in President Musharraf's government has eroded so much that doubts are being expressed about General Musharraf's ability to hold free and fair elections.
She called for international monitors to oversee the elections to ensure a fair and just outcome.
On the India-Pak dialogue Bhutto said, "Only time will show how far the peace process with India, which I support, will go because General Musharraf talks of dialogue and also encourages militancy."
She also mentioned the cases of Mukhtar Mai and Shazia Khalid, the two rape victims, to show how little justice is available in Pakistan and women are among the worst victims.
Bhutto, who has lived in self-imposed exile in Dubai and London for the past seven years, said all allegations of corruption against her were politically motivated and intended to divert the attention of the Pakistani media from current government problems.
In 2004, Swiss authorities also charged Bhutto with alleged money-laundering of $11.7 million in purported bribes paid by companies seeking customs inspection contracts.
Bhutto, accompanied by her husband Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Washington on Wednesday night from California for a short visit. Bhutto will meet Pakistani journalists as well as party workers on January 29.
Since Bhutto arrived in the US nearly two weeks ago from Dubai, she spent most of her time with her family and has addressed only one public meeting in New Jersey.
Addressing a press conference in Washington at the 'Voice of America' premises she said the military regime is to be blamed for the rise and dominance of religious parties in Pakistan.
"These parties fully back Osama bin Laden and the Taliban and hence extremism had replaced moderation in the country. The Taliban is in full command of the Waziristan region and the military has abdicated all its rights there," she said.
Stressing the importance of democracy in Pakistan for the success of the war on terrorism, she said people are being alienated and "as a result a very active secessionist movement is in Pakistan and those who lead it have called for United Nations intervention." She said the public confidence in President Musharraf's government has eroded so much that doubts are being expressed about General Musharraf's ability to hold free and fair elections.
She called for international monitors to oversee the elections to ensure a fair and just outcome.
On the India-Pak dialogue Bhutto said, "Only time will show how far the peace process with India, which I support, will go because General Musharraf talks of dialogue and also encourages militancy."
She also mentioned the cases of Mukhtar Mai and Shazia Khalid, the two rape victims, to show how little justice is available in Pakistan and women are among the worst victims.
Bhutto, who has lived in self-imposed exile in Dubai and London for the past seven years, said all allegations of corruption against her were politically motivated and intended to divert the attention of the Pakistani media from current government problems.
In 2004, Swiss authorities also charged Bhutto with alleged money-laundering of $11.7 million in purported bribes paid by companies seeking customs inspection contracts.
Bhutto, accompanied by her husband Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Washington on Wednesday night from California for a short visit. Bhutto will meet Pakistani journalists as well as party workers on January 29.
Since Bhutto arrived in the US nearly two weeks ago from Dubai, she spent most of her time with her family and has addressed only one public meeting in New Jersey.
posted by Marko at 1/27/2006 06:39:00 AM
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