Hawks heckle but Musharraf goes on: jehad against jehadis

In an apparent reference to the Indian charge of cross-border terrorism against Pakistan, Musharraf said: ‘‘There are allegations being levelled against us with regard to Kashmir. To get out of this…we have to find a peaceful and just solution to the Kashmir issue…Agreement reached should be pursued with good intentions and sincerity, keeping in mind the aspirations of the people of Kashmir to take this process forward.’’

Maintaining that Pakistan has become a nuclear power, he said its capability in its capability in nuclear and missile technology was in its ‘‘national interest’’. ‘‘We are a responsible state and will not allow proliferation,’’ he said, adding, ‘‘We should not only maintain but strengthen this capability. We are proud of our armed forces. They have always played a key role and will continue to play a key role in Pakistan’s development.’’ Observing that majority of the Pakistani people were ‘‘moderates’’, Musharraf said there was a section which was ‘‘wrongly interpreting Islam for their ulterior motives’’ and trying to mislead the people with their ‘‘narrow and sectarian perceptions. Such sections weaken the nation’’.

The General also emphasised his support for the US-led war on terror, vowing to hunt down Al Qaeda and Taliban militants thought to be orchestrating attacks in Afghanistan from the safety of Pakistan’s tribal regions. ‘‘We have to act with full force against the foreign elements in tribal areas who can stir up terrorism,’’ he said.

Musharraf spoke amid booing and jeering from Opposition benches. Some Opposition members walked out of the joint session shortly after he began his speech and others drowned out his words with shouts of ‘‘Down with dictatorships’’, ‘‘Go Musharraf go!’’ and ‘‘No Musharraf no!’’. The protests were led by supporters of former prime ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif and Islamists who only recently cut a deal to keep him in power until 2007.

Meanwhile, two domestic flights carrying top Opposition leaders and ruling lawmakers were diverted from the capital ahead of Musharraf’s address. A PIA flight from Lahore to Islamabad, carrying high-profile PML (N) lawmaker Tehmina Daulatana and MMA leader Qazi Hussain Ahmed among others, was diverted to Peshawar. — with PTI