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Journalism of Courage
President Asif Ali Zardari has made a startling admission that Taliban militants are present in huge amounts of land in Pakistan and his Government is fighting for the survival of the country.
Taliban do have a presence in huge amounts of land in our side. Yes,that is the fact, he said in an interview to CBS television network.
Once confined to the countrys tribal area bordering Afghanistan,from where they carried out strikes against the US-led coalition forces in the war-torn country,the Taliban had extended their influence in Pakistans inland,Zardari said.
We are aware of the fact8230; Taliban8230; are trying to take over the state of Pakistan, he said. So,were fighting for the survival of Pakistan. Were not fighting for the survival of anybody else.
The Taliban,he said,had been taken for granted for a long time. Its been happening over time and its happened out of denial. Everybody was living in denial.
Many thought they were weak and they would not be able to take over or challenge the Government,Zardari said. As a result,the forces to challenge them were not increased. But we have weaknesses and they are taking advantage of that weakness,he said.
Zardaris remarks follow US President Barack Obamas assertion that safe havens for Taliban and al-Qaeda would not be allowed in Pakistan.
Zardari,who is battling public opinion in Pakistan where most citizens believe that the fight against the Taliban and al-Qaeda was Americas war their Government was fighting by proxy,said: Were not doing anybody a favour.
I lost my wife former premier Benazir Bhutto to it terrorism. My childrens mother8230; Its important to stop them and make sure that it doesnt happen again and they dont take over our way of life, he said. Observers have also questioned how much power Zardari really has and whether he has the full support of the military and the powerful intelligence service. But Zardari said they are behind him.
If that wasnt the case,Islamabad would have fallen because obviously if the army doesnt do its job,these men Taliban are not restricted. Theyve blown up the Marriott Hotel before. Theyve attacked us inland before. They would be all around us,wouldnt they? he said.
