Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=08/14/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-293039

TITLE=PAKISTAN / TERRORISM (L)

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has vowed to intensify

efforts to crush Islamic extremism -- blamed for a series of recent

attacks on Western and Christian targets in the country. In a speech

marking the 55th anniversary of Pakistan, the military leader also urged

neighboring India to begin talks to resolve the long-running dispute

over Kashmir. Ayaz Gul reports from Islamabad.

TEXT: President Musharraf condemned attacks against foreigners and

Christians as the most shameful and despicable examples of

terrorism. He says those responsible for such acts have no link with Islam.

//MUSHARRAF ACTUALITY//

An insignificant minority has held the entire nation hostage to

their misconceived views of Islam and fanatical acts of terrorism. My

Pakistani brothers and sisters, we all have to put in a joint effort

to root out those who are maligning our religion and tarnishing the

image of Pakistan, while imagining themselves to be ultra-Islamic.

//END ACTUALITY//

President Musharraf says he has put in place a number of

counter-terrorism steps and has intensified security throughout

Pakistan. He claims that almost all militants involved in last

week's attacks on a missionary school and a Christian hospital near the

Pakistani capital have been arrested or killed.

//MUSHARRAF ACTUALITY//

I am confident we will, Inshallah (God willing) break the back of

all these criminals and the organizations supporting them. I appeal to

all ulemas (religious scholars), religious-political parties and

organizations to come forward actively to protect Islam from such

distortion and abuse.

//END ACTUALITY//

Authorities blame Islamic extremists for the recent wave of violence

in the country. These forces are opposed to Pakistan's support of the

American-led war on terrorism. President Musharraf says his country

stands firmly committed to root out the menace of terrorism.

In his speech, the Pakistani leader again urged neighboring India

to begin dialogue to settle the long-running dispute over the divided

region, Kashmir. President Musharraf criticized New Delhi's plans

to hold elections in Indian Kashmir, next month.

//MUSHARRAF ACTUALITY//

The announcement by India to hold elections in Indian-occupied

Kashmir is yet another effort to give a mask of legitimacy to India's

illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. The government of India has

organized such farcical elections in the past, as well. These so-called

elections have invariably been rigged and have always been boycotted by the

Kashmiri people.

//END ACTUALITY//

New Delhi has said peaceful elections in Indian-administered

Kashmir will be a test of Pakistan's sincerity for a dialogue with

India. But, President Musharraf calls that a self-serving argument.

//MUSHARRAF ACTUALITY//

Pakistan cannot accept any responsibility for developments inside

Indian-occupied Kashmir. Nor can India try to shift the onus of the

failure of elections to Pakistan. The Kashmiri struggle is

indigenous.

//END ACTUALITY//

India accuses Pakistan of sending Islamic militants into Kashmir

to stage attacks against official targets and fuel an on-going Muslim

insurgency in the region. Pakistani leaders deny the charge.

Hostilities over control of the divided territory has resulted two wars between India

and Pakistan. It remains the major source of tensions in the region.

(SIGNED)

NEB/AG/WD