Brussels, 13/09/2006 (Agence Europe) - Addressing the foreign affairs committee of the European Parliament on 12 September, Pakistan President Pervez Musharaff said his country was a “sustainable democracy” an “open and tolerant” society, a rapidly expanding economy and a “leader” in the fight against terrorism. But he also had to face some very critical questioning form MEPs, particularly on nuclear non-proliferation, human rights and the role of the army in political life. Mr Musharaff argued for a strengthening of relations with the European Union and called for the EU to help Pakistan more in the fight against terrorism. He also proposed that his country - with over 126 million inhabitants, the world's second largest Muslim country - be the “bridge” between the Islamic world and the West. “Let us not forget that Pakistan is involved directly or indirectly in all the issues of concern to the whole world,” he said.
“Contrary to Western perceptions, Pakistan is not an intolerant or extremist country,” he told the committee, which is chaired by Elmar Brok (CDU). The vast majority of the population is religious, certainly, but moderate and progressive. A small extremist Muslim minority (the “ultra-conservatives” as Mr Musharaff called them) has been able to establish itself in Pakistan simply because the country has been the “victim” of regional wars and conflicts, beginning with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. To combat and remove the Soviets, “Europe and the United States” trained and equipped tens of thousands of Moujahidin and Taliban, whom they sent into Afghanistan “using” Pakistan, noted Mr. Musharaff. Today, Pakistan “is paying the price” for twenty six years of war, and Taliban plotting is now the main terrorist threat to the region and the world, he argued, adding that “the centre of gravity of terrorism has moved, from Al-Qaida to the Taliban” with their leader Mullah Omar, “who is not in Pakistan, but probably in the South of Afghanistan”. Pakistan he said, was doing all it could militarily, politically and economically to combat the “talibanisation” of Afghanistan and the neighbouring countries. He also spoke about Kashmir and his desire to find a negotiated solution with the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh - “I trust Singh. He is sincere”. The EU could help “facilitate” the negotiation process, said Mr Musharaff.
The EU could also help Pakistan deal with terrorism by improving the access of Pakistani products to the European market, he said. “By granting our products better market access, you are contributing to strengthening our industries, increasing our incomes and those of the workers and, consequently, reducing poverty and social exclusion”, which were still the determining factors in the rise in extremism and terrorist recruitment, he pointed out. “I urge you to invest in Pakistan and develop trade with our country”. Mr Musharaff also argued for enhancing the political dialogue with the EU and for an annual Summit to be held.
He then had to face an avalanche of critical questions from MEPs, notably on, firstly, nuclear non-proliferation. How was it that the “father” of Pakistani nuclear arms, Abdul Qadeer Khan had still not been punished for revealing nuclear secrets to counties like Iran and South Korea, Charles Tannock, José Salafranca, Angelika Beer, Annemie Neyts, Geoffrey van Orden and others wanted to know. “Mr Khan is and remains a hero, because he provided Pakistan with security” by developing the atomic bomb after India had developed its own, Mr Musharaff replied. It was “most unfortunate” that he revealed information on nuclear technology, but that was not a reason to discredit him. Secondly, on democracy and human rights, including the role of women. “Everything is not perfect” in Pakistan, but the situation had improved considerably over recent years, with the first “free, peaceful and transparent elections” at all levels, the integration of women into society and political and economic life, and the gradual abolition of all forms of gender discrimination. Things were constantly improving, but Europeans should not always see Pakistan through their European spectacles, not always apply the same standards and values, because “it was still a developing country”, he emphasised. “It's not the European Union, it's Pakistan,” he said. Thirdly, on the death penalty. Angelika Beer, Hélène Flautre, Edward McMillan-Scott and others called on Mr Musharaff to abolish the death penalty or at least to declare a moratorium on executions. “7,000 people - women, men, children - are currently in jail awaiting hanging,” Ms Flautre pointed out. In his responses, the Pakistani President avoided all mention of this issue. Fourthly, on the military and political roles of the President. “As President I wear two hats, because Parliament and the Constitution allow me to be a President in uniform.” “Nothing would have been possible if I had not had the political authority and the authority of the military uniform,” he replied.