Musharraf's interview with Khaleej Times - pretty good.

[hassan]

A very thorough chronology...from DAWN


http://www.dawn.com/2003/10/12/nat1.htm

A chronology: 1999-2003

1999

Oct 12: Nawaz government is dismissed, prime minister, brother taken into custody. Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman and Chief of the Army Staff Gen Pervez Musharraf tells the nation in a midnight address that the armed forces "have moved in as a last resort to save the country."

Oct 12: Pentagon says Pakistani military's seizure of key government buildings in Islamabad does not appear to have affected control over the country's nuclear weapons.

Oct 12: India's armed forces are put on high alert after developments in Islamabad.

Oct 12: US reacts cautiously to the dismissal of the Nawaz Sharif government, saying Washington will seek the earliest possible restoration of democracy in Pakistan.

Oct 12: The Sharifs residences in Model Town and Raiwand are cordoned off by troops.

Oct 12: Benazir Bhutto blames Nawaz Sharif for provoking military takeover, says Sharif had sought to politicize the army.

Oct 13: Military authorities decide not to impose martial law.

Oct 13: The European Union cancels plans to sign a trade and cooperation agreement with Pakistan in protest at the military takeover in the country.

Oct 14: Musharraf proclaims emergency throughout Pakistan and assumes office of the chief executive, suspends assemblies and the Senate and puts the Constitution in abeyance.

Oct 14: UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan calls upon the Pakistan military to return the country to civilian rule.

Oct 14: SBP imposes 10-35 per cent cash margin on imports and stops banks from remitting foreign exchange abroad.

Oct 15: All banks freeze local and foreign currency accounts of "notable" politicians and parliamentarians.

Oct 16: Troops raid Nawaz factory offices and seal them.

Oct 16: EU leaders condemn military takeover in Pakistan and urge early return of the country to civilian rule.

Oct 17: Gen Musharraf spells out a seven-point agenda to revive economy and work for national integration. Also announces setting up of a National Security Council.

Oct 17: An ISPR spokesman says no decision has been taken to try deposed premier Nawaz Sharif in a field general court martial.

Oct 27: SBP announces conditional 'defreezing' of the local currency bank accounts of politicians.

Oct 29: Musharraf pledges civilian rule after implementing reforms in a meeting with a Commonwealth delegation.

Oct 30: CE promulgates two orders, one defining NSC functions, the other giving governors CMs' powers.

Nov 1: Musharraf holds first press conference and announces setting up of a National Accountability Bureau. He hints at holding a referendum to make amendments to the Constitution.

Nov 2: Gen Musharraf recalls the Oct 12 drama at Karachi airport and says the attempt to obstruct the landing of the PIA plane carrying him reflected the callousness of whoever was ordering it.

Nov 7: Benazir says she is not in a hurry to launch a pro-democracy campaign, and that Musharraf sounds honest when he says that he will be fair in his approach. "I would like to give him the benefit of the doubt," she adds.

Nov 9: An FIR is registered against Nawaz Sharif and others for 'conspiring' to hijack the PIA aircraft carrying Musharraf.

Nov 9: Begum Kulsoom, wife of deposed PM Nawaz Sharif, files petition with the chief justice asking for SC intervention in getting her family members 'freed'.

Nov 10: US calls for a fair and transparent trial of Nawaz Sharif.

Nov 10: Military government considers trying former ISI chief Gen Ziauddin Butt under the Army Act.

Nov 10: 3,000 bank defaulters are put on exit control list.

Nov 11: Commonwealth leaders at their Durban summit decide to suspend Pakistan from the group.

Nov 15: President Rafiq Tarar promulgates an ordinance to provide for the setting up of a National Accountability Bureau.

Nov 18: Nawaz Sharif is produced before the administrative judge of an anti-terrorism court. He is then remanded in police custody for three days.

Nov 18: Nawaz Sharif denies that he could be a hijacker and says that instead the country's democratic government has been hijacked.

Nov 21: Nawaz Sharif tells reporters that the army takeover was an extra-constitutional act.

Nov 21: Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee says India is not averse to holding bilateral talks with the new military rulers of Pakistan.

Nov 21: The PML challenges the Oct 12 military takeover in the Supreme Court.

Nov 22: A former boss of Civil Aviation Authority, Ameenullah Chaudhry, one of the four accused in the plane hijacking case, turns approver against Nawaz.

Nov 23: The ex-CAA boss says Nawaz Sharif had ordered him on Oct 12 not to allow PK-805 to land anywhere in Pakistan.

Nov 25: Nawaz Sharif accuses Musharraf of making him (Nawaz Sharif) the target of a personal vendetta.

Dec 6: US accepts military government as legitimate.

Dec 6: SC admits writs against army takeover.

Dec 7: Musharraf says economy worse than feared.

Dec 7: Nawaz appears in SC storming case.

Dec 8: Nawaz, six others formally charge-sheeted.

Dec 10: US assures Pakistan it will not oppose IMF and World Bank funds.

Dec 11: Nawaz and Shahbaz are released on parole to allow them to attend the funeral of the former's mother-in-law.

Dec 23: Musharraf rules out talks with PML and says assemblies will stay suspended.

Dec 24: Hijacked Indian plane lands at Dubai airbase after refuelling at Lahore. Foreign office says Pakistan allowed landing in Lahore to ensure passenger safety.

Dec 26: Pakistan accuses India of staging plane drama.

Dec 26: Plane flies to Kandahar. Hijackers' talks with UN mission collapse.

2000

Jan 3: PML begins quest for new chief

Jan 5: Federal Shariat Court orders changes in four family laws.

Jan 11: Natural gas regulatory authority established.

Jan 19: Nawaz, others indicted in plane case.

Jan 21: Police to work under public commissions.

Jan 22: Indian attack on LoC repulsed. FO says situation serious.

Jan 23: Commission set up to Islamize financial system.

Jan 23: Army officials may be inducted into civil bureaucracy.

Jan 26: 89 superior court judges take oath under PCO.

Jan 26: Saeed, five others refuse to take oath.

Feb 18: India expels three Pakistan diplomats.

Feb 20: Pakistan expels three Indian HC officials.

Feb 20: Private TV channels to start operation soon.

Feb 21: Musharraf warns India against war threats.

Feb 25: Privatization setup reconstituted.

Feb 28: CJ forms Supreme Judicial Council.

March 3: Doctrine of necessity not dead, observes CJ.

March 7: China asks India to roll back N-plan.

March 7: Clinton to visit Pakistan.

March 8: Clinton visit no endorsement of mly rule: US

March 10: Nawaz's counsel assassinated

March 15: Political rallies, strikes banned.

March 21: 36 Sikhs gunned down in Valley.

March 23: Musharraf unveils devolution plan, district govts by Aug 2001.

March 25: Upon arrival in Pakistan, Clinton demands full democracy.

March 29: Over 80 are feared drowned as boat capsizes in river Chenab.

March 31: Pakistan to sue India for downing surveillance plane Atlantique.

April 2: Political parties told to hold elections.

April 6: Life sentence for Nawaz, others acquitted. Kulsoom terms verdict 'personal revenge'.

April 9: PML reconfirms Nawaz as party chief.

April 10: Musharraf terms Nawaz trial fair.

April 12: Nawaz files appeal against conviction.

April 12: Grenade attack on Imambargah leaves 14 dead.

May 12: SC validates takeover, gives govt 3 years to hold polls.

May 22: CJSC promises accountability of judges in 90 days.

May 24: Sindh governor, 3 ministers quit.

June 12: Nawaz says army kept govt in dark on Kargil operation.

June 17: Rs700bn budget for 2000-2001 unveiled.

July 22: Nawaz given 14 years in helicopter case.

July 30: PML retains Nawaz as president.

Aug 4: NSC, cabinet opt for separate electorate, women to get 33pc seats.

Aug 6: APC rejects devolution plan, demands timeframe for polls.

Aug 9: Convicts can't hold party office, Tarar amends Act.

Aug 15: Dist setup, police to work under elected men, CE announces party-less LB polls.

Aug 18: Musharraf says he will stay on as COAS

Aug 28: FIR in plane case full of flaws: defence

Aug 31: NWFP's ex-CM Sardar Mehtab gets 14 years RI.

Sept 1: Blast rocks Pakistan mission in Jalalabad.

Sept 3: Clinton calls for direct India-Pakistan talks.

Sept 6: CE offers no-war pact to India.

Sept 11: CE says no trials for '71 debacle.

Sept 14: World Bank says poverty rose during 90s in Pakistan.

Sept 19: Fifteen killed in Islamabad blast.

Sept 27: Army officers to judge civil servants' working.

Sept 28: Seven PML leaders convicted in SC storming case.

Sept 29: Petition for summoning Musharraf in plane case hearing rejected.

Oct 2: Hamood report to be released, says CE.

Oct 7: ANP's Azam Hoti gets 14-year RS in motorway case.

Oct 13: Pakistan relaxes visa rules.

Nov 3: Musharraf tells Irsa to meet Sindh's demand for equal distribution of water among provinces.

Nov 7: State Bank annual report warns of sluggish economic growth.

Nov 8: Political activities to remain banned, announces interior ministry spokesman.

Nov 9: President Tarar backs Iran-India gas pipeline project.

Nov 10: World Bank arranges Pakistan-Hubco meeting to settle dispute on tariff.

Nov 12: Pakistan announces manufacture of US-designed M113 armoured personnel carrier.

Nov 13: At ninth OIC summit in Doha, Musharraf seeks support on Kashmir.

Nov 13: Air Vice-Marshal (retd) Waqar Azeem convicted of bank loan default, sentenced to seven years imprisonment.

Nov 14: Lahore High Court allows accountability trials of Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif in Attock Fort.

Nov 17: Musharraf amends PCO, replacing words prime minister/ chief minister with chief executive/ governor.

Nov 18: Ordinance promulgated for quick disposal of bank default cases.

Nov 19: Musharraf's press secretary says ex-ISI chief Butt and Brig Javed will face court martial.

Nov 20: Musharraf empowers provincial governors to promulgate ordinances.

Nov 21: US imposes sanctions on Pakistan under Missile Control Technology regime while lifts similar sanctions on China.

Nov 22: Pakistan in no hurry to sign CTBT, declares Foreign Minister Sattar.

Nov 22: Foreign office terms US sanctions against Pakistan unjustified,discriminatory

Nov 24: President dissolves Zakat/Ushr committees

Nov 30: US deducts $60 million from Pakistan's F-16 accounts

Dec 1: Election Commission announces local bodies polls schedule.

Dec 5: Newly-formed ARD seeks timeframe for election.

Dec 9: EC releases local bodies nomination figures; corps commanders review law and order.

Dec 9: HR situation in Pakistan deteriorated after 1999's coup, says Human Rights Watch report.

Dec 10: President Tarar revokes Nawaz Sharif's jail sentence but exiles him with family to Saudi Arabia under a kingdom- brokered deal, Hashmi appointed PML chief.

Dec 11: Sharif family lands in Jeddah as Musharraf leaves for UAE.

Dec 12: State Bank report says default risk over, meeting IMF conditions must.

Dec 13: Nawaz to stay out of politics while in Saudi Arabia, says a Saudi official.

Dec 26: Mushahid freed after over 14-month detention

Dec 31: Government releases Hamoodur Rehman Commission Report.

2001

Jan 1: First phase of LB polls held in 18 districts with a 35-50pc voters' turnout and almost boycott by minorities.

Jan 6: Pakistan completes troops pullout from LoC.

Jan 16: Indian high commissioner to Pakistan meets Musharraf.

Jan 16: PML acting chief Hashmi accuses ISI of striving to fragment major political parties including his own.

Jan 19: Collin says US should not ignore Pakistan as sanctions against Taliban come into effect.

Jan 19: Kabul seizes border with Pakistan as US general calls on Musharraf at GHQ.

Jan 22: Pakistan, India agree to extend Samjhota Express by three years.

Jan 26: Taliban offices in Peshawar sealed.

Feb 2: First telephone talk between Musharraf and Vajpayee; Vajpayee thanks Musharraf for extending support to victims of Gujarat quake; both agree to keep in touch.

Feb 7: SC verdict on military takeover stands.

Feb 22: A three-member US Congressional delegation meets Musharraf and discusses issues of bilateral importance.

March 12: Gen Musharraf declares stringent measures would be taken to control religious fanaticism.

March 25: Musharraf says he's not retiring and that party- based elections will be held in October 2002.

March 31: Government decides to restore Article 58(2)B, giving powers to president to dissolve the national assembly and dismiss the government on the recommendation of the National Security Council.

April 1: Death toll in stampede at shrine of Baba Faridudin Ganj Shakar in Pakpattan rises to 44.

April 6: SC orders retrial of Benazir, Asif, sets aside corruption convictions awarded by the LHC's Ehtesab bench.

April 10: Report says Musharraf is planning to replace Tarar as next president.

April 11: Federal cabinet decides to set up an independent public safety commission; SC seeks details of NAB expenses.

April 13: SC questions NAB chief's qualification; PIA chief sacked as standoff between PIA management and pilots' association continues.

April 15: Federal Minister for Finance Shaukat Aziz tells newsmen that the national economy is to suffer a loss of $2 billion due to drought and water shortage.

April 18: The SC rules that the conviction of Benazir Bhutto was the result of Justice Qayyum's bias against her.

April 20: Chief justice says prolonged military intervention in civil affairs will politicize armed forces and urges elections to parliament and provincial assemblies to be held before Oct 12, 2002.

April 24: SC orders changes in NAB law, cuts disqualification period, says previous convictions not to be affected.

April 28: In the first ministerial-level contact between the Musharraf regime and the Bush administration, Shaukat Aziz meets US Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill.

April 29: World Bank assures Pakistan of $700 million credit; total debt crosses $34 billion.

May 5: Musharraf says the ban imposed on political rallies will not be lifted before elections next year.

May 14: The government decides to withdraw tax exemption from all National Saving Schemes.

May 16: Musharraf says parliamentary system of government will remain intact and adds his government can introduce constitutional changes while remaining within the ambit of the mandate given to it by the Supreme Court.

May 22: Pakistan refuses to grant most favoured nation (MFN) status to India.

May 23: Vajpayee invites Musharraf to Delhi for talks, calls off ceasefire in Kashmir.

May 25: Musharraf receives Vajpayee's formal invitation and says he will respond shortly.

May 27: Government receives letter from the IMF for release of third tranche worth $133 million.

May 30: Pakistan sees the Musharraf-Vajpayee summit an opportunity to set the agenda for future talks but does not expect breakthrough.

May 31: Indian government will not allow leaders of the APHC to meet Musharraf during his visit to New Delhi, Indian official says.

June 6: Vajpayee welcomes Musharraf's speech in which he asked religious hardliners to stop making statements against India; ARD urges Supreme Court to direct government to allow political activities in the country.

June 7: Police arrest 73 politicians and activists of various component parties of the ARD to stop ARD moot.

June 12: ARD announces the launching of the third phase of mass contact.

June 14: Musharraf meets Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan and Fatehyab Ali Khan and reiterates his government's intention to introduce genuine democracy in the country.

June 18: Rs753 billion budget for 2001-02 presented; tax target Rs457 billion; import duty on 4,000 items cut; 50 per cent increase in salaries of government employees; Rs130 billion for public sector development.

June 19: Musharraf to visit India on July 14.

June 20: Musharraf assumes office of president with a pledge that elections will be held in October 2002 as directed by the Supreme Court; an official announcement was made earlier that Rafiq Tarar had ceased to hold the office of the president, followed by the dissolution of the suspended parliament including the Senate, the National Assembly and the four provincial assemblies; US expresses concern over change in Pakistan.

June 21: The European Union joins the US and the Commonwealth in criticizing Gen Musharraf's decision to become president of Pakistan.

July 3: The government decides to amend the anti-terrorism law under which imparting and receiving military training in religious institutions will be an offence.

July 14: Musharraf arrives in New Delhi, gets a warm welcome and holds a 25-minute closed-door meeting with Hurriyat leaders; later meets Indian President K.R. Narayanan setting the tone for the two-day Agra summit; India begins partial withdrawal of its troops from Kashmir.

July 15: Musharraf meets Vajpayee in Agra and holds two rounds of talks.

July 16: Agra summit fails, no declaration issued, Musharraf meets editors of Indian newspapers and says that Kashmir is central to amity with India, returns home.

July 17: Pakistan and India pledge to continue talks saying there is hope in future.

July 18: Musharraf briefs a joint meeting of the National Security Council and federal cabinet about his visit to India; Vajpayee wins support of his cabinet colleagues to visit Pakistan.

July 19: The committee on devolution decides that offices of the deputy commissioner, district magistrate and sub-divisional magistrate should cease to exist from Aug 14.

July 22: Vajpayee blames Musharraf for talks breakdown.

July 23: Musharraf rules out early construction of the Kalabagh Dam terming it a contentious project.

July 27: Musharraf formally invites Vajpayee to visit Pakistan for second round of talks, stresses early solution to Kashmir issue.

Aug 10: Lahore High Court observes Gen Musharraf has no extra powers as president.

Aug 14: Gen Musharraf bans two sectarian organizations Sipah-i-Muhammad and Lashkar-i-Jhangvi and says activities of two others Sipah-i-Sahaba and Tehrik-i-Jafria will be watched; gives roadmap for democracy.

Aug 18: Musharraf promulgates ordinance providing for integration of system of Islamic education at religious schools with the general education system.

Aug 22: Musharraf inaugurates Chashma canal.

Sept 1: President PML(LM) Balochistan Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali and central vice-president Jam Muhammad Yousuf separately call on Musharraf.

Sept 5: The government and PPP are likely to strike a deal whereby the government will allow the party's unhindered participation in the next elections and in return the party would cooperate with the government in its efforts to establish 'genuine democracy'.

Sept 7: PPP says no underhand deal with the government.

Sept 11: Thousands killed as planes crash into WTC, New York, Pentagon buildings.

Sept 12: US seeks Pakistan's help in hunting down suspects, Musharraf assures Bush of cooperation; Security Council calls for joint action; US security officials see Osama's involvement in attacks.

Sept 13: Powell talks to Musharraf and Pakistan receives a list of demands; army top brass to meet.

Sept 14: Powell waits for Islamabad's response as National Security Council and federal cabinet meet to discuss decision on US demands.

Sept 15: Pakistan reiterates full support against terrorism but decides not to join operations beyond borders; Powell confirms Islamabad's help.

Sept 16: Islamabad team leaves for Kandahar to persuade Taliban leadership to hand over Osama bin Laden to the US; Pakistan and Taliban forces take up positions.

Sept 17: Pakistan closes border with Afghanistan as people flee from Kabul.

Sept 18: Musharraf briefs think tanks and tells them Pakistan's support to the US is a result of tremendous pressure; informs that US authorities had asked whether Pakistan was a friend or a foe; ISI team returns from Afghanistan; envoy from China meets Musharraf.

Sept 21: Bush ultimatum to the Taliban and to release foreign detainees and hand over Osama bin Laden to the US; four get killed in Karachi as religious groups protest against possible US strike.

Sept 22: US warplanes land in Uzbekistan as UAE snaps ties with Taliban and New Delhi assures Pakistan not to complicate the situation; Taliban shoot down a spy plane; Musharraf says Pakistan can never go to war against Afghanistan.

Sept 23: Washington lifts sanctions against Pakistan and India; US forces take positions near Afghanistan.

Sept 27: Resolution on attacks moved in the Security Council as Ulema team leaves for Kandahar to convince the Taliban to hand over Osama to the US.

Sept 29: UN Security Council adopts a comprehensive anti- terrorism resolution and allows use of force against terrorists; Pakistan denies presence of US troops on its soil; Islamabad offers help to the FBI.

Oct 1: Musharraf states Taliban days are numbered; foreign office spokesman says ties with Kabul cannot be severed.

Oct 6: Musharraf's term as COAS extended; US deploys troops on Afghan border.

Oct 7: Attack on Afghanistan begins as Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar- i-Sharif and Herat are pounded; Mullah Omar and Osama bin Laden survive.

Oct 9: Musharraf and Vajpayee talk on the telephone.

Oct 10: US planes land at Jacobabad as four airfields are cleared for operation.

Oct 15: Zahir Shah's emissary meets Musharraf.

Oct 16: Powell meets Musharraf in Islamabad and both agree on the formation of a broad-based government in Kabul.

Oct 17: Pakistan puts its armed forces on high alert followingmovement of Indian troops along the eastern front.

Oct 20: Pakistan is offered $800 million immediate cash grant by the US.

Oct 21: US assures Pakistan of immediate debt relief as it intensifies attacks on Afghanistan.

Oct 24: Turkish President meets Musharraf in Islamabad and backs broad-based government in Afghanistan.

Oct 28: German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder meets Gen Musharraf and backs political solution to the Afghan problem.

Oct 29: Gen Tommy Franks and Gen Musharraf discuss Afghan war in Islamabad.

Oct 30: UN secretary-general's special representative Lakhdar Brahimi meets Gen Musharraf and discuss new setup in Kabul; Kandahar bombed for 5 hours.

Nov 4: US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld meets Musharraf in Islamabad and says there will be no let-up in bombing of Afghanistan during Ramazan.

Nov 5: Musharraf holds talks with PPP leaders who demand safe return of Benazir Bhutto.

Nov 7: Musharraf makes brief stopovers in Istanbul and Tehran; meets Iranian first vice-president Mohammad Reza Aref.

Nov 8: Musharraf arrives in London and affirms that Pakistan would stay in the US-led coalition; Taliban asked to close Karachi consulate.

Nov 10: Musharraf addresses the UN General Assembly session and says Pakistan's strategic assets are in safe hands; India offers talks on nuclear restraint.

Nov 11: Musharraf meets George Bush in New York where the latter promises aid up to $1 billion and backs talks on Kashmir.

Nov 13: Musharraf says all forces must pull out of Kabul and demands UN peacekeepers instead.

Nov 22: Pakistan closes Taliban embassy in the country.

Nov 23: British foreign secretary meets Gen Musharraf in Islamabad and discusses overall situation in Afghanistan.

Dec 7: IMF executive body agrees to lend $1.3 billion to Pakistan for its Poverty Alleviation Programme.

Dec 10: Pakistan's second satellite Badar-II launched.

Dec 13: 12 get killed as gunmen storm Indian parliament, Pakistan condemns shootout; Paris Club provides $12 billion relief package.

Dec 14: Delhi blames Lashkar-i-Taiba for attack on Indian parliament.

Dec 15: Pakistan warns India of adventurism, Musharraf says Pakistan will reply with force.

Dec 20: Musharraf meets Chinese President Jiang Zemin in Beijing; China and Pakistan sign seven accords.

Dec 21: New Delhi calls back its envoy from Islamabad and threatens to snap road and air links with Pakistan from Jan 1.

Dec 26: Delhi positions missiles on border; Musharraf asks India to give up haughtiness; US places Lashkar-i-Taiba and Jaish-i-Mohammad on the State Department's list of terrorist organization.

Dec 27: Delhi bans overflights and cuts high commission staff; Pakistan rules out nuclear war; India says no to talks with Pakistan during Saarc summit.

Dec 28: Last bus to Lahore leaves New Delhi.

Dec 29: Bush and Powell contact Musharraf and back Pakistan's handling of the situation.

Dec 31: New Delhi gives a list of terrorists to Islamabad and welcomes the steps taken by Pakistan against Jaish-i-Mohammad and Lashkar-i-Taiba.

2002

Jan 1: Islamabad arrests 100 Lashkar-i-Taiba and Jaish-i- Mohammad men.

Jan 3: Musharraf meets Prime Minister Zhu Rongji in Beijing and discusses regional stability.

Jan 4: Musharraf arrives in Kathmandu to attend Saarc meeting, says India has no interest in talks.

Jan 5: Musharraf shakes hands with Vajpayee during Saarc meeting and offers sustained talks.

Jan 6: Musharraf and Vajpayee hold a brief meeting, the former seeks de-escalation in tension.

Jan 7: Tony Blair meets Musharraf in Islamabad and urges talks on Kashmir.

Jan 12: Musharraf bans Lashkar, Jaish, TJP,TNSM and SSP.

Jan 16: The government announces that at least graduates will be able to contest elections which will be held on a joint electorate basis.

Jan 24: Kofi Annan meets Musharraf in Islamabad and calls for sustained dialogue between India and Pakistan.

Jan 25: India test-fires new Agni version

Feb 1: Karachi police begin a search for a US journalist Daniel Pearl of the Wall Street Journal following a tip-off that he had been killed

Feb 12: Prime suspect in Daniel Pearl kidnapping case Ahmed Omar Shaikh is arrested by Punjab police.

Feb 13: Musharraf meets Bush at the White House, the latter pledges long-term ties with Pakistan, hopes to facilitate talks on Kashmir.

March 1: Musharraf promulgates ordinance establishing Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority empowering it to issue licences for establishing radio and TV channels.

March 2: Pakistan condemns attack on its High Commission staffers in New Delhi.

March 4: Pakistan decides not to extradite Omar Shaikh.

March 7: Saarc information ministers' conference begins in Islamabad: Musharraf calls for withdrawal of Indian troops from borders.

March 8: India reduces troops on borders as Advani is invited to Islamabad.

March 14: Musharraf meets emperor Akihito; Japan lauds Musharraf for taking part in the war against terrorism and introducing reforms in Pakistan.

March 17: Five people, including a US diplomat, get killed and 41 injured in a grenade attack on a church in Islamabad; Musharraf outraged.

March 19: Tommy Franks and Christina Rocca hold talks with Musharraf.

March 20: Musharraf kicks off his referendum drive and meets leaders.

March 21: ARD rejects Musharraf's referendum plan.

March 22: Musharraf inaugurates Gwadar deep-sea port.

March 23: The government security dragnet thwarts ARD's plan to hold a meeting and arrests 1,000.

March 26: EC announces delimitations of seats for national and provincial assemblies.

April 3: The cabinet and the National Security Council approves holding of a referendum to extend Musharraf's rule.

April 5: Musharraf announces that a referendum to extend his rule will be held in the first week of May.

April 9: Musharraf promulgates an order under which any citizen who is 18 on or before April 30 will be able to cast vote in the referendum.

April 24: US is given the green signal to operate in the tribal areas along with Pakistan troops.

April 25: Pakistan denies joint operations with US.

April 27: The Supreme Court rules that the holding of referendum is a valid exercise.

April 29: ARD asks people to boycott the referendum.

April 30: Referendum held; EC says 90 per cent vote in Musharraf's favour.

May 1: EC says 98 per cent vote in Musharraf's favour.

May 4: ARD and JI decide to issue white papers on referendum.

May 6: Musharraf says role of army in the future setup is being considered.

May 8: Explosive-laden car blows near a bus outside Sheraton hotel, leaves 14 dead, case of suicide bombing.

May 15: Christina Rocca meets Musharraf.

May 18: Pakistan calls back its High Commissioner in New Delhi on the demand of the Indian government.

May 27: Musharraf announces that elections to the National Assembly would be held from Oct 7 to 11.

June 2: Musharraf arrives in Dushanbe and holds talks with Tajik counterpart Emomali Rakhmonov.

June 3: Musharraf meets Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev in Almaty and says ready for unconditional talks with India.

June 4: Musharraf arrives in Russia and meets President Putin.

June 5: Vajpayee offers joint patrols along the LoC; Pakistan asks Indian HC official to leave.

June 12: Rumsfeld arrives in Islamabad.

June 14: Ten people get killed in a car-bomb explosion outside the US consulate in Karachi.

June 19: The federal cabinet okays an ordinance to regulate religious schools.

June 23: Musharraf says Islamabad will not accept LoC as international border.

June 25: Former federal minister Omar Asghar Khan dies in mysterious circumstances.

June 28: Secretary of Iran's Supreme Council of National Security Hasan Rouhani meets Musharraf in Islamabad.

July 1: Government decides to modify the madressah registration ordinance.

July 3: President Musharraf tells cabinet he will consult politicians on the proposed constitutional amendments prepared by the National Reconstruction Bureau.

July 4: IMF approves $114 million tranche for Pakistan under its poverty reduction programme.

July 5: Election Commission (EC) emphasizes consultation with political parties to finalize code of conduct for general elections.

July 6: Musharraf promulgates order prohibiting a third time as prime minister or chief minister.

July 7: Government asks EC to prepare schedule for holding general elections before Oct 12, 2002.

July 8: ARD rejects the proposed constitutional amendments and the Political Parties Order 2002.

July 10: Musharraf announces Oct 10, 2002, as date for elections to the National Assembly, Senate and provincial assemblies.

July 11: Supreme Court upholds graduation condition for members of parliament and provincial assemblies.

July 11: EC says intra-party elections and audit of a political party's income and expenses are a must for contesting elections.

July 11: Musharraf unveils the first-ever population policy of Pakistan.

July 12: Musharraf says the prime minister will enjoy "total power".

July 14: Second package of proposed constitutional amendments, seeking discretionary powers for president to appoint services chiefs, CEC, NAB chief, etc.

July 18: US turns down Indian demand for declaring Pakistan a terrorist state.

July 20: Musharraf says proposed National Security Council will be a non-intrusive body.

July 22: Musharraf amends the Political Parties Order, 2002, removing the condition of bachelor's degree for holding any political party office.

July 22: Government announces trade policy, sets a $10.4 billion export target.

July 23: Supreme Court holds that minimum qualification of BA or its equivalent for members of parliament is the first step towards change in political culture.

July 26: Top political leaders term constitutional package and political parties order an assault on federation.

July 28: Musharraf assures US Assistant Secretary of State Christina Rocca of fair elections.

July 29: Musharraf regrets excesses committed during Bangladesh's war of independence in 1971.

July 30: Government empowers returning officers to reject nomination papers of any candidate on the basis of information received about his disqualification.

Aug 1: Musharraf restores 10 special minority seats in the National Assembly.

Aug 3: Government formulates a legal framework to repatriate foreigners convicted in Pakistan and Pakistanis convicted abroad.

Aug 5: Musharraf says he believes Osama bin Laden financed 9/11 attacks.

Aug 7: Cabinet approves Police Order, 2002.

Aug 7: Pakistan decides to sign two international conventions on combating terrorism.

Aug 11: EC bars bank defaulters from contesting elections.

Aug 12: EU chief election observer John Cushnahan says his team will not interfere in the internal politics of Pakistan.

Aug 12: PML-Q and National Alliance form Grand National Alliance for polls.

Aug 13: EC allows 71 parties to contest polls and asks returning officer not to accept papers of sitting ministers.

Aug 18: Osama bin Laden and Mulla Omar may be in Pakistan, says Musharraf.

Aug 21: Musharraf issues the Legal Framework Order.

Aug 21: EC issues code of conduct for political parties and election candidates.

Aug 22: Government withdraws GST on medicines.

Aug 22: Benazir Bhutto files papers for two NA seats.

Aug 23: Pakistan repulses Indian attack in Gultari sector.

Aug 26: Pakistan rules out US military operation on its soil.

Aug 27: Government lifts ban on political activities from Sept 1.

Aug 28: Islamabad, Kabul agree to cooperate against terrorism.

Aug 30: Returning officer rejects Bhutto's papers for NA-207.

Aug 31: Cabinet approves setting up of press council, publication of press and periodicals registration ordinance and defamation ordinance, 2002.

Aug 31: Nawaz withdraws nomination papers in protest against rejection of Bhutto's papers.

Sept 2: Musharraf opposes attack on Iraq.

Sept 7: Government foils MMA bid to start train march.

Sept 11: Musharraf replaces UGC with Higher Education Commission.

Sept 12: Election Tribunal disqualifies Shahbaz, Kulsoom.

Sept 13: Tribunals reject Benazir Bhutto's appeals.

Sept 13: Power will be transferred to NSC, says Musharraf.

Sept 14: Musharraf invites APHC for talks.

Sept 14: PPP, PML-N fail to reach accord on elections.

Sept 20: LHC dismisses petition seeking Nawaz's disqualification.

Sept 20: Bid on Musharraf's life foiled, says Armitage.

Sept 21: Cabinet approves labour policy and Freedom of Information Ordinance, 2002.

Sept 22: 422 Osama supporters handed over to US, says ISPR.

Sept 22: Government harassing election candidates, says PPP.

Sept 25: Cabinet approves Contempt of Court Ordinance, 2002.

Sept 29: Democracy in Pakistan a victim of 9/11 attacks: Benazir.

Sept 30: New PM will not take oath under PCO: Musharraf

Oct 4: APNS, CPNE reject Defamation Ordinance.

Oct 7: Supreme Court rejects petition against LFO.

Oct 8: Pakistan test-fires Shaheen-I missile.

Oct 9: Political parties fear poll rigging

Oct 10: Pakistan goes to the polls.

Oct 10: Musharraf says he will hand over power to new prime minister on Nov 10.

Oct 10: Parties claim voter turnout less than 25 per cent.

Oct 11: No party secures majority in 243-seat National Assembly.

Oct 11: PML-N rejects election results.

Oct 11: PML-Q gains majority in Punjab, MMA in NWFP.

Oct 12: EU observers term polls seriously flawed

Oct 12: Govt rebuts EU team's observations on polls.

Oct 12: Election results credible, says US.

Oct 14: Qazi rules out oath under PCO.

Oct 16: India decides on phased pullback.

Oct 16: MMA nominates Fazlur Rahman for PM's slot.

Oct 17: Pakistan responds to Indian troop pullback announcement.

Oct 20: PPP hints at national government with PML-Q.

Oct 20: PML-N demands fresh elections on 274 seats.

Oct 22: PML-N offers support to Fazl for PM.

Oct 23: NRB chief Tanvir Naqvi resigns.

Oct 24: India begins troops pullback.

Oct 26: Caretaker chief ministers/prime ministers can contest for office for a third time, LFO amended.

Oct 26: President promulgates Freedom of Information Ordinance, 2002.

Oct 26: PML-Q nominates Pervaiz Elahi for Punjab chief minister.

Oct 29: Nawabzada Nasrullah gets ARD mandate for talks on coalition.

Oct 29: Musharraf says he is not responsible for delay in formation of government.

Oct 31: Cabinet decides to call NA session on Nov 6 and transfer power by Nov 14.

Nov 1: PML-Q names Mir Zafarullah Jamali for prime minister.

Nov 2: Musharraf summons first NA session on Nov 8.

Nov 5: ARD, MMA agree on formation of coalition government.

Nov 5: Shujaat asks government to put off NA session.

Nov 6: Government postpones NA session by a week.

Nov 9: ARD, MMA offer conditional indemnity to military government's actions.

Nov 11: MMA asks President Musharraf to leave army office.

Nov 12: Row over Article 58(2)B settled, claims Shujaat.

Nov 14: 10 PPP MNAs-elect form forward bloc.

Nov 14: Government sticks to its position on Article 58(2)B.

Nov 16: 324 MNAs-elect sworn in as Musharraf also takes oath afresh.

Nov 18: MMA-PML-Q coalition talks fail over COAS issue.

Nov 19: PML-Q's Chaudhry Amir Hussain becomes NA speaker.

Nov 21: Jamali defeats Fazl, Mahmood to become prime minister.

Nov 23: Prime Minister Jamali and cabinet take oath.

Nov 23: Government restores ban on defection by senators.

Nov 25: Governors take fresh oath.

Nov 25: Punjab and Frontier assemblies reject LFO before taking oath.

Nov 26: US warns Pakistan of sanctions over N. Korea N-charges.

Nov 27: MQM withdraws support to government.

Nov 27: Sindh Assembly inaugural session put off again.

Nov 29: PML-Q's Pervaiz Elahi takes oath as Punjab chief minister and MMA's Akram Durrani as NWFP chief minister.

Dec 1: Jam Yousuf takes oath as Balochistan chief minister.

Dec 2: 11-member NWFP cabinet sworn in.

Dec 5: NAB decides to suspend drive against politicians.

Dec 5: No nuclear cooperation with Pakistan, says N. Korea.

Dec 8: Government ready to hold talks with PPP, says Jamali.

Dec 9: Pakistan postpones Saarc summit, accusing India of sabotaging it. Delhi rejects Islamabad's charge.

Dec 9: Jamali, Fahim discuss formation of Sindh government.

Dec 11: GNA nominates Ali Mohammad Maher for Sindh chief minister.

Dec 11: 14-member Balochistan cabinet takes oath.

Dec 12: Sindh Assembly members take oath amid uproar over LFO.

Dec 13: Government decides to hold Senate elections in third week of January.

Dec 14: GNA candidate Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah elected Sindh PA speaker. PPP, MMA boycott voting for deputy speaker. Haqiqi MPA arrested outside assembly building.

Dec 16: Ali Mohammad Maher elected Sindh chief minister.

Dec 17: US places Pakistan on list of countries that are considered high risk for potential terrorism.

Dec 20: Pakistan-India tensions defused, says US.

Dec 21: Jamali denies FBI's involvement in hunt for Al Qaeda supporters.

Dec 21: Musharraf asks women legislators to mobilize efforts for their rights.

Dec 27: Jamali, Karzai, Niazov sign gas pipeline accord.

Dec 27: Ibad takes oath as Sindh governor.

Dec 27: Karachi Stock Exchange hits all-time high.

Dec 30: Jamali bags 188 votes to win confidence of house.

Dec 31: Government announces Feb 4 for holding Senate elections. Law banning defection takes effect.

2003

Jan 1: Government reduces profits on savings schemes.

Jan 2: 15-member Sindh cabinet takes oath.

Jan 3: 25-member Punjab cabinet takes oath.

Jan 4: Vajpayee takes over nuclear command system.

Jan 5: Government agrees to administer fresh oath to judges in the wake of revival of constitution.

Jan 7: Senate election postponed until Feb 24.

Jan 8: Pakistan Army gets Hatf-V missile system.

Jan 9: Karachi Stock Exchange index sets record.

Jan 15: PML-Q, MMA get majority in by-election for 10 NA and 18 provincial assembly constituencies.

Jan 22: Gas pipeline in Sui comes under rocket attack.

Jan 23: Supply not restored as Sui gas pipeline catches fire.

Jan 25: Pakistan enters space age as Musharraf launches Paksat-I.

Jan 27: Forces sent to guard gas installations after fresh attack.

Feb 4: Musharraf starts visit to Russia; Government informs apex court that LFO does not need validation by parliament.

Feb 5: Musharraf invites Russian investors and Putin calls for talks on Kashmir.

Feb 5: Pakistan joins anti-terror war advisory group.

Feb 6: Pakistan-India Indus Water Treaty talks fail.

Feb 8: India expels Pakistan's acting high commissioner; Pakistan follows suit.

Feb 15: Musharraf tells Bush war not a good option to settle Iraq issue.

Feb 16: Former MQM MPA Khalid bib Waleed shot dead.

Feb 16: Pakistan, India reduce number of visas issued to their nationals in 2002.

Feb 20: PAF chief Mushaf Ali Mir, his wife, others die in air crash.

Feb 24: Musharraf asks NAM to help resolve Kashmir issue.

Feb 27: Thin majority for PML-Q, allies as Senate polls complete.

Feb 28: ECNEC approves Thal Canal Project; Sindh Assembly rejects

March 5: NA at standstill as opposition rejects LFO.

March 6: Pakistan army's Strategic Force Command receives Hatf-IV missile.

March 8: Musharraf calls inaugural session of Senate on March 12.

March 12: Opposition senators-elect take oath under altered text; constitution stands revived.

March 15: US waives democracy-related sanctions on Pakistan.

March 20: Pakistan deplores war on Iraq.

March 24: Jamali, Chinese PM hold talks in Beijing.

March 26: Pakistan test-fires Abdali missile.

March 29: Jamali gets power of National Economic Council chief.

April 5: Pakistan, US sign $1 billion debt write-off agreement.

April 8: Musharraf rules out leaving COAS post; Shaukat Aziz, Hafeez inducted into federal cabinet.

April 18: Vajpayee offers talks, Jamali welcomes.

April 22: Musharraf, Karzai pledge to fight terrorism jointly.

April 23: Afghanistan hands over list of wanted 'terrorists' to Pakistan.

April 28: Jamali invites Vajpayee to visit Pakistan.

May 2: New Delhi says full diplomatic relations will be restored with Islamabad; Pakistan welcomes decision.

May 6: Pakistan offers confidence-building measures to India.

May 11: Telemetry system on rivers starts working.

May 12: Nazims answerable to chief ministers, says Musharraf.

May 13: China offers $1 billion to construct power project.

May 17: Balochistan government releases 20 Indian nationals.

May 20: Pakistan denied re-entry into Commonwealth.

May 26: India decides to resume bus service.

May 27: Pakistan names Aziz Ahmed Khan as high commissioner to India.

May 28: Punjab opposition members denied entry into assembly.

June 2: Frontier Assembly adopts Shariat Bill.

June 7: Rs805 billion federal budget presented to National Assembly.

June 8: 11 police recruits gunned down in Quetta.

June 10: LHC validates Musharraf's decision to remain in uniform till a date of his own choice.

June 11: Former Sindh PA speaker Raziq Khan shot dead.

June 16: Pakistan, Turkey agree to promote trade.

June 17: Musharraf assures Blair Pakistan curbing terrorism.

June 17: Indian MPs arrive on peace mission.

June 21: Pakistan, US troops launch operation along Afghanistan border.

June 21: Musharraf arrives in Washington.

June 24: Bush announces $3 billion aid after talks with Musharraf.

June 29: Centre asks Punjab to deport families of Shahbaz Sharif and Abbas Sharif.

July 1: Germany decides to lift sanction on sale of arms to Pakistan, says Musharraf.

July 1: Three women members of Sharif family deported to Saudi Arabia.

July 2: Musharraf, Chirac discuss Iraq crisis.

July 4: Attack on Imambargah in Quetta leaves 53 dead.

July 10: Lawyers observe strike across country.

July 11: Lahore-Delhi bus service resumes.

July 14: Musharraf arrives in Tunis.

July 17: All foreign terrorists will be extradited, says Musharraf after talks with Algerian president.

July 20: Fazl meets Vajpayee in Delhi.

July 25: Three judges killed in Sialkot prison.

Aug 9: A 59-member Indian delegation arrives in Pakistan; India's new High Commissioner presents his credentials to Musharraf.

Aug 10: Musharraf calls for modifying Saarc charter.

Aug 13: Oil slick hits Karachi coastline as Greek tanker Tasman Spirit runs aground off Karachi harbour.

Aug 28: Talks between India and Pakistan on the resumption of air links remain inconclusive.

Sept 17: Five PML factions merge.

Sept 22: Address causes of terror, Musharraf asks world leaders.

Sept 24: Musharraf urges India to jointly observe LoC ceasefire.

Sept 25: Extradition treaty signed with US.

Sept 26: Nawabzada Nasrullah passes away.

Sept 28: Commonwealth extends Pakistan's suspension.

Sept 30: Pentagon agrees to refurbish F-16 fleet.

Oct 1: Bush, Jamali vow to fight terrorism.

Oct 2: Eight Al Qaeda suspects killed in army action in South Waziristan.

Oct 3: Six Suparco employees gunned down in Karachi.

Oct 6: Army fully backs Musharraf, says Armitage.

Oct 6: MNA Azam Tariq gunned down.

Oct 8: Amin Fahim elected ARD chairman, Javed Hashmi president.

Compiled by Rafique Jalal, Arshad M. Shamsi, Abbas Jalbani and Peerzada Salman.

[hassan]

http://66.234.3.46/DisplayArticle.as...usiveinterview

Zayed is voice of wisdom
BY MOHAMMED A. R. GALADARI IN ISLAMABAD

13 October 2003



AT THE kind invitation of the Pakistani Government, I met with the President of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf, who plainly and openly addressed all the hot issues on Pakistan's domestic front as well as its foreign policy. Gen. Musharraf brought to light the current situation in the Kashmir dispute, cooperation with the US in combating terror and the rapacious attack against the Islamic world.


He also proposed the different aspects of Pakistan's economy, good governance, and transparency, which the country is badly in need of. You can find all these issues in the following interview.

Mr. Galadari: Mr President, this month you are completing four years at the helm of your country, how far have you succeeded in laying the foundations of a modern and progressive Pakistan? Do you think you are winning the battle against the sagging economy, poverty and religious extremism?

Gen. Musharraf: I think we have succeeded considerably, as before four years my aim was basically to revive and rectify the economy. Pakistan can never be dynamic or progressive, nor can our people be saved from poverty or illiteracy unless the economy is revived. So, I concentrated on economy as a prime concern. We have restructured the political landscape of Pakistan.

At first our major problem was our debts, both foreign and internal. Foreign debts servicing formed 64 per cent of our budget, therefore there were no funds available for development. In the meantime, the current account had a deficit of $5 billion, so the country was continuously plunging. When I came to power, we reversed this process as we have restructured our debts under Paris Accord and we also obtained debt retirements from the US and some other countries. Meanwhile, we paid back parts of the debts and as a result debts shrank.

Currently, the debt service liability has come down from 64 to 30 per cent and converted the current account deficit into a surplus and this is our key achievement. When I took over, exports represented only US$7.86 billion, but now it is US$11 billion, which represents an increase of almost 70 per cent. We have set a record in exports.

As to internal debts, we managed to trim down the eight per cent deficit to only 4 per cent and we intend to obliterate it over the coming years.

Mr. Galadari: What are your major areas of exports?

Gen. Musharraf: We needed to boost our exports, which is a foreign exchange earner and our strength lies in textiles. Improvements were introduced and value added to quality. Meanwhile, we concentrated on the engineering sector, which was previously neglected. We have penetrated new markets in China and Africa. All this has contributed to stepping up exports and overall economy boom.

Mr. Galadari: Corruption at all levels has been a perennial problem, what has been achieved during this period to weed out this menace, ensure good governance and promote clean politics? I believe tax collection is a major problem. What has been done to improve this system and bring more people under the taxation net? Have you done anything to make the rich people, landlords and feudals to follow the rules? Using their authority and power, they are able to either evade taxes or pay less in the absence of an assessment and control system. What has been done to make all influential people, including politicians, file their tax returns regularly? Would you like to tax the farm sector? If not, why?

Gen. Musharraf: If you want the nation to progress, people have to pay due taxes. People were not paying taxes nor were they being forced to do so. The government machinery including the Central Board of Revenues (CBR) did not document taxpayers, but we have done that even with the aid of military. There was a great deal of opposition but we adopted the harder option and now it's paying back. When I took over the revenue collection was Rs304 billion and it has reached Rs460 billion last year with an increase of Rs160 billion in three years, and it is expected to go up to Rs500 billion this year. You can imagine the difference.

Mr. Galadari: As a well-wisher of Pakistan, I believe foreign investment is a key factor in progress. Meanwhile, the country's stability and security are the major concern for any foreign investor in the absence of a sound judicial system as their investment could be put at risk. What's your comment?

Gen. Musharraf: 'I totally agree with you: investment is one of the critical areas we must concentrate on to achieve economic progress. In this domain, let me give you the encouraging figures: our investments increased by more than 60 per cent last year. We have evolved a strategy to attract foreign investments, as Pakistan is the ideal economic hub of the entire sub-continent. Compared to the miserable previous figures, our foreign investment jumped to US$780 million. However, this is not enough.'

According to Gen. Musharraf, the said strategy is built on four pillars: 'Improving the regulatory framework, rules and regulations to make it more business friendly. Secondly, reducing the cost of doing business in Pakistan. And in this regard, interest rates have dropped from 17 to 8 per cent making sufficient liquidity in the market possible. Business houses can also avail of loans at a 3 per cent interest rate. Also the energy sector has worked on reducing the charges of power and electricity. Thirdly, ensuring good profitability for foreign businesses. I checked with over 600 foreign business houses in Pakistan and arrived at the conclusion that each of them earned between 20 and 60 per cent last year. The popular Nestle for example gained 55 per cent profits. The last element is, as you said Mr. Galadari, law and order. Currently we are addressing this issue together with bureaucracy and its complications, especially that the entire Muslim nation is at a conversion now and we hope it will normalise. The judicial aspect is also being addressed as we have amended laws and regulation to ensure security for investors. Therefore, the environment has tremendously changed and we are still moving further.

Mr. Galadari: India insists that Kashmir is an integral part of their land. I believe the Kashmir problem is the core issue between the two countries and it should be resolved before fully normalising relations. So what next? How can both the countries move from this standoff situation? For decades we have been hearing the same answer from both of you. Nothing is moving forward. How are you going to push the process forward?

Gen. Musharraf: If this is India's final verdict, it is not acceptable to Pakistan and we cannot go anywhere. Kashmir, like the Israel-Palestine dispute, is subject to the Security Council/United Nations (UN) resolution. How can India deny this? India wants to become a member of the Security Council: how can a nation violating the Security Council regulations be a permanent member?

If India accepts the Security Council resolutions and sits for a dialogue with Pakistan, we can arrive at a solution. Such a solution must be acceptable to both sides and the people of Kashmir as well. We are doing our best to show much flexibility.

Mr. Galadari: India had already expressed its willingness to attend the SAARC summit in January. Then why did you want to send an emissary to India to invite it? Is it not embarrassing to you that Delhi declined to receive him?

Gen. Musharraf : No, I do not think so, we did that as a matter of courtesy. Besides, the foreign minister went to many other countries including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Malaysia. We intended to coordinate before the SAARC summit. We took a positive attitude, but their response was unfortunate. Like what happened at the SAF Games, which were postponed due to their refusal to participate. If this is the scale they want to live in, we are not keen on developing relations with them if they are not willing. We know where we stand and we are very comfortable.

Mr. Galadari: Is it high time for Pakistan to establish diplomatic ties with Israel to close the door on India? Lots of people say that Pakistan should establish relations with Israel to counter India, which is using Israel to get closer to the US, but you already enjoy good ties with the US. What is your opinion?'

Gen. Musharraf: I do not think any kind of action may close the door to India. Each country is pursuing its national interests and we are not ready to do anything to please others at the expense of our national interests. We have a good relationship with the US as partners in combating terrorism, but we have no relation whatsoever with Israel.

We have always been, and still are, in support of the Palestinian cause. If the peace process moves forward in justice, we can revise our policy with Israel. We cannot do anything against the wish of the people of Pakistan. We need to develop a consensus with the people of Pakistan. The issue is very contagious and there is no rush. We have a policy for years since our independence and we are totally behind the Palestinian cause. There is a genuine public opinion here, which is totally against Israel. We cannot do something contradictory to the desire of the Pakistani people. We are part of the Muslim world and we are on the side of our Arab Muslim brothers.

Mr. Galadari: Then why can't you play a role in the peace process, namely the roadmap plan?

Gen. Musharraf: I cannot play a role there unless I am asked to. If our brothers want us to play a role, we are happy to do so to reach a resolution.

But I here remind our Arab brothers that Pakistan has always been at the forefront in support of the Palestinian cause, yet there is a degree of disappointment as to the support we get on the Kashmir cause. I need this to be highlighted. Our Arab Muslim brothers must understand that there is another similar dispute with the same conditions: subject to a Security Council resolution and thousands of people being killed. There should be no selectivity in approaches.

Mr. Galadari: I was surprised to hear that the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) incorporated in its agenda the issue of combating terrorism and extremism at a time when the Western media is linking all violent and terror acts to Islam. Don't you, Mr President, think that it would have been far better if the picture is cleared to the US and the west that terror cannot be linked to a particular religion or race since many other incidents, like the Oklahoma bombing, can be mentioned? I find it strange as Muslim leaders should adopt one stance.

Gen. Musharraf: Perception is different from reality. That is a very important subject and it is complex at the same time. From their perception, there are four defects in Islam: it breeds fundamentalism, militancy and extremism; it is in conflict with democracy; it is contradictory to secularism; and it is in conflict with modernity. But the reality is that Islam never urges us to adopt violence. It recognises the rights of minorities. It brings about tolerance and it is in harmony with modernity and it is a futuristic religion always being invigorated by itself. Therefore, what we are projecting at the conference will be how the west sees Islam. Look at what is happening in the Muslim world, in Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Morocco, Indonesia and also Pakistan. What is the objective of killing and bombarding? Even in China, where a tribal area was bombarded, there are concerns why extremism is erupting in their areas. This is what the west and the entire world see, we are in a fix.

We are a part of the Muslim world and we need to see what is to be done. Now there is a military action going on from one side by the US in Afghanistan, Iraq and that in Palestine in addition to the prospect of action against Syria and Iran. Then the question to pose here is. Should we adopt the confrontationist course thus giving room for more violence and retaliation? Should we unite to act militarily? If we adopt that course, it will bring about more enmity, aggression, hatred, and antagonism. This does not mean that we should give in or surrender. Therefore, the Muslim nation is at the crossroads and must understand where it stands and this is what I intend to project at the summit. We are the weakest, most illiterate and poorest. We have the worst social sector indicators in the world. Thus, this is the reality that is the perception.

The stance that needs to be stressed globally and regionally is that extremism in all forms should be rejected and also militancy should be rejected as a solution to the world problems or problems of the Muslims, otherwise we will be led to more trouble and crushed. In any case, this will not raise our levels. We need to adopt the course of what I call 'enlightened moderation.' Let us be more educated, more literate. We need to remove poverty and raise the level of the nation. This is our strategy.

At the same time, we should demand of the West, that while we are adopting enlightened moderation, you should resolve political disputes in justice and also assist us in our social sector. Let's have a wider vision.

Meanwhile, among the issues proposed at the summit will be the restructuring of the OIC, where an independent committee or department for Islamic thought is set up. It must be dynamic and its duties should be to reveal the true spirit of Islam and correct the misconceptions about the religion. It is a matter of theory and practice. Both the west, and us, are to blame. When I say Pakistan is an Islamic republic, I do not have to tell you that I am democratic, moderate, or tolerant as all these qualities are inherent in Islam.

Half a century has gone by and the situation has changed. As the peace process in the Middle East, initiatives were introduced for the co-existence of the two states. As far as Kashmir is concerned, we are not claiming the whole of Kashmir. Technically, and according to the 1947 partition plan, Kashmir should have come to Pakistan. We should reach a solution acceptable to India, Pakistan and the people of Kashmir as well.

Mr. Galadari: Mr. President, you have always said let the people of Kashmir determine their future, which is in the true spirit of democracy.

Gen. Musharraf: If you see ground reality, what are the gains of the Kashmiri people under the purview of the Security Council. As to talks abut secularism, look at what is happening to Muslims, Sikhs and Christians there. You people should read your own magazines. Thousands of Muslims were burnt down in Gujarat. Muslims left their houses and are not allowed to come back now, as reported in India Today.

Mr. Galadari: Getting down to the domestic front, were you behind the accusations and charges brought against Benazir Bhutto and her husband?

Gen. Musharraf: People have forgotten that it is not Musharraf who brought charges against the PPP, but Nawaz Sharif. But we have to deal with media in a proper manner, bearing in mind the interest of the nation.

Mr. Galadari: What can you say about the alliance formed by conflicting opposition parities, in other words how can yesterday's enemy become today's ally?

Gen. Musharraf: I call this an unholy alliance. They hated each other in the past and they will remain so. But my main concern is that Pakistan is progressing.

Mr. Galadari: Speaking of democracy, which is also one of your goals, means running Pakistan on sound democratic lines. When will that stage come, especially since previous governments did not last long? How can you change the mindset of people in this respect?

Gen. Musharraf: That is exactly what we have been doing since we took over in 1999. Our main goals were the revival of economy, combating poverty and eradicating illiteracy and also having good governance in addition to the political restructuring. The restructuring, as you have said, was needed for democracy, which was not functioning in Pakistan. No government has completed its office term. We analysed this and found out there is a requirement for checks and balances against the Prime Minister, President and Army Chief, to ensure that the government or prime minister is not looting or misgoverning. If the prime minister himself, or herself, is looting, how can the nation function? Here, people start crying and run to the Army Chief for help. When I was an Army Chief people ran to me and I told them that there is no constitutional role and I can do nothing.

The prime minister must be under control so as not to loot, blunder or misgovern. And this was achieved through the constitutional amendments were brought in. We have amended the legal framework order (LFO) where article 58-2-B stipulates that the President has the power to dismiss the Prime Minister and Assembly if they are not performing. Also a check is put on the president himself, as the National Security Council (NSC), where he should revert before taking any action. In the NSC the leader of opposition, prime minister, chief ministers and army chief are there. The result will be the existence of institutional arrangement to address the issue if the prime minister is not performing. At the NSC they will be questioned and can be summoned and warned. Even if the president is weak, the body will give him the stand against the corrupt official.

Sometimes the Prime Minister is performing well but the leader of opposition is unnecessarily pulling the rug from under him. When it happens, the NSC can hold him back. In this manner there is a check and balance on everyone and in this manner we will succeed in our leadership of Pakistan. We are working on this with complete sincerity, but the People's Party is against the LFO without which there will be many reoccurrences of the same situation.

Mr. Galadari: When the system you mentioned is implemented, when will a system come into existence whereby the president as figurehead and an elected government and parliament can be in full control of the situation?

Gen. Musharraf: The system is there but misconception is created by the opposition. What power do I have, and what is the definition of power? I have power to dismiss, but the Prime Minister has the authority to run Pakistan. Let him carry out the economic revival and deal directly with respective ministers. I am not chairing the cabinet and ministers report to the Prime Minister. In the past I used to sleep for one or two hours a day, but now I have time to play tennis. Pakistan is run by the Prime Minister, there is a cabinet, senate and assembly. I come in one thing: 'Do not spoil Pakistan, I will not allow you to let the economy go down. You run Pakistan well and I will be the happiest man and play more tennis.'

In response to a question about the possibility of dismissing the parliament, Gen. Musharraf pointed out that the media floats baseless topics and groundless rumours. 'My ambition is to set a record for a government running for a five-year term, then let there be election and new government. That is what the oppositions desire and I will not oblige them,' he said.

Mr. Galadari: Following the recent Phalcon deal between India and Israel, it is feared that both the neighbours would enter into an arms race. How far do you agree, and what are the expected implications of such race on the Pakistani economy?

Gen. Musharraf: We try to avoid the armament race as we have evolved a strategy of deterrence. We have quantified it in terms of what level of military is deterrent against the enemy and we maintain such deterrence level.

And in case of conflict it will be a no-win situation or we will end it favourably. I also recommended to every one in the world including the western leaders not to disturb the deterrence level.

Even if it is disturbed, we can easily rectify it due to our strong economy that can sustain such a pressure, compared to the past. Military requirements are sustainable and we are capable of meeting them.

[Azhar]

"But I here remind our Arab brothers that Pakistan has always been at the forefront in support of the Palestinian cause, yet there is a degree of disappointment as to the support we get on the Kashmir cause. I need this to be highlighted. Our Arab Muslim brothers must understand that there is another similar dispute with the same conditions: subject to a Security Council resolution and thousands of people being killed. There should be no selectivity in approaches."

Atleast this is the first Pakistani leader who said just like we common Pakistanis feel, i.e. let down by these Arabs.

[SSAAD]

Yep that was one issue that stuck out for me throughout the entire interview. I am glad he made that point.


One more statement that was interesting was the following as it was stated very tactfully (rather than the usual boasting that we will teach them a lesson mumbo jumbo):

"And in case of conflict it will be a no-win situation or we will end it favourably."

[Azhar]

I request my friends in this forum to write to Khaleejtimes concerning the interviews. Indian writing this paper (Letters column) has gone to rediculous height . Its like Indians are up in arms against Mr. Galadari. As obvious no Arabs are replying but need we need to.

Azhar