Claiming complete support of the army to his peace initiatives with India, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has offered to join the fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir if New Delhi agrees to pull out troops from Srinagar, Kupwara and Baramulla, considered to be the hotbed of militancy.
In a candid interview to CNN-IBN TV, Musharraf also said that he was disappointed at the lack of progress in the peace process and complained that there was "not much" response from India to the ideas thrown by him for resolution of the Kashmir issue.
Refuting perception that some of his top commanders do not back his peace initiatives with India, the General said that he would "throw out" any person if he declined to obey his orders or opposed them.
"Let me tell you, this is not a banana republic army. It is an army that fought wars. It is an extremely disciplined army. It is totally loyal and committed to me. I know that," he said in the interview.
Asserting that the Pakistan army backed his policies 1000 per cent, he termed reports in the Pakistani media stating that a "powerful clique of religious parties within the military establishment" worked against him, as nonsense.
{{/usCountry}}Asserting that the Pakistan army backed his policies 1000 per cent, he termed reports in the Pakistani media stating that a "powerful clique of religious parties within the military establishment" worked against him, as nonsense.
{{/usCountry}}"If they are really against me then they would be out of the army tomorrow. I would not be worth my salt, if I am Army Chief and these people are doing that," he said.