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Pak suffering least in Kashmir: Musharraf
In an interview to PTV, Musharraf said his peace effort was more to alleviate sufferings of Kashmiris than Pakistanis.
Refuting allegations of any U- turn in Pakistan's policy towards Kashmir during his recent visit to India, President Pervez Musharraf said on Tuesday night it was a complex issue with no timeframe fixed for its resolution.
He sought the support of all Pakistanis and Kashmiris for his initiatives to resolve it.
Speaking at an interactive programme on state-run PTV soon after attending a conference of top Pakistani army commanders, Musharraf said he was working for early resolution of Kashmir issue more to alleviate suffering of Kashmiris than of Pakistanis.
He said, of the three parties involved in Kashmir tangle, Kashmiris suffered the most followed by India and Pakistan, who suffered the least.
"What is the reason for me to take a U-turn? (laughs). My intentions are clear. I want to bring some relief to Kashmiris from their sufferings," Musharraf said.
"The most sufferers in this problem are Kashmiris... They are the ones facing difficulties. Their lives are being lost and property is being destroyed. Their life is at stand still", he said in the programme excerpts of which were telecast by PTV.
He said no timeframe could be fixed to solve the Kashmir issue. "I want to say this to Pakistanis that this is such a complex issue that it requires a lot of application of mind and take it forward with great deal of thinking.
"This is a most difficult thing. I expect support in this difficult task. That is what I expect from all Pakistanis, because with full sincerity I want to try to resolve this issue once for all", the Pakistan President said.
"I want to tell all Pakistanis and especially Kashmiris, through this programme, that I want to say that whatever I am doing, it is for your sake. First, I am doing it for your sake and then only for Pakistanis. If I find later that somebody else can do better, then let him do it. Let him support you and take you towards peace", he said in an emotion-choked voice.
"Diplomatically, politically and internationally they are suffering. Their international image is suffering because in their house a freedom struggle is going on," he said. "It is hurting India's ambitions" to become a UN Security Council permanent Member, he added.
Among the three, Pakistan suffered the least, he said. "Pakistan is suffering the least. Yes, there is financial expenditure because of our troops there. But we are not suffering any casualties.
"There is an allegation against us that cross border terrorism is taking place. But we deny this and say a freedom struggle is taking place. Earlier, this allegation was against us but now it is no longer there. So what kind of suffering we are going through?" Musharraf said.
This was the first programme addressed by President Musharraf after returning from a tour of India, the Philippines and Indonesia.
