Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Pak President says extremists, terrorist target him

IRNA

Islamabad, Dec 26, IRNA - Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf
said on Thursday that he was the target of the two suicide attacks, 
which he blamed on terrorists and extremists. 
At least 14 people were killed and 46 injured in car bomb attacks 
in Rawalpindi, which took place while motorcade of the president was 
passing. 
The suicide attack has strengthened my resolve to eradicate the 
menace of terrorism and extremism from Pakistan, General Musharraf 
said. 
In an interview to the state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) hours 
after the attacks, he said it was his mission to weed out these 
threats and develop Pakistan into a prosperous country. 
"There is no change in this resolve, and I would accomplish my 
mission." 
Asked about who could be behind the incident, the president said 
nothing can be said with certainty but there could be terrorists and 
extremists elements. "There can be many possibilities." 
Musharraf said those involved in the bombing were not only harming
Pakistan and Islam but the entire Muslim Ummah. 
He did not agree to media comments that the unfortunate incident 
could affect SAARC summit and said he was the target of the terrorists
and no one else. 
He said neither the visitors nor ordinary people of Pakistan are 
threatened. 
To a question General Musharraf said he was satisfied with his 
security staff as they are loyal to him. 
"They are performing their duties risking their own lives and a 
policeman gave his life in an attempt to stop the vehicle of 
terrorists." 
The President expressed his grief over loss of life and injuries 
in the incident and said he would compensate their families. 
General Musharraf also gave details of the incident. He said the 
first attempt was made by the suicide bomber at the first petrol pump 
and when his motorcade tried to escape from the scene, another vehicle
attacked from the next petrol station. 
It was the second attack on General Musharraf life in less than 
two weeks. 
CABINET MEETS 
Pakistani Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali convened an 
emergency meeting of the Federal Cabinet to discuss the incident. 
Immediately after hearing of the incident, the prime minister talked 
to the president to inquire about his health, local media reported. 
Condemning the attack, the prime minister expressed government`s 
firm resolve to continue fight against terrorism in greater national 
interests of Pakistan. 
"It was very unfortunate incident and the government would never 
submit before terrorism. It would rather continue its efforts to 
eradicate the menace of terrorism in all its forms and 
manifestations". 
Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali appealed to the people to cooperate 
with the government and help pinpoint terrorist elements. 
He appealed to the Pakistani nation to remain united and suggested
observing thanksgiving day (Yaum-e-Tashakkar) on Friday. 
TK/TSH/211 
End