[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 11 (Monday, February 11, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S574-S577]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
GENERAL PERVEZ MUSHARRAF'S SPEECH TO THE PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, on January 12, Gen. Pervez Musharraf of
Pakistan spoke to his people at a moment of great danger. Half a
million Indian troops were massing on the border over the contentious
issue of Kashmir, unresolved for over 50 years, and the December 13
terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament. Memories were still fresh of
100,000 demonstrators in the streets after September 11, praising Osama
bin Laden and burning effigies of Musharraf and President Bush.
The speech was given to the nation of Pakistan, but it was followed
closely by India and the West.
He made the choice facing Pakistan very clear. In his words, the
``day of reckoning'' had come. His nation must choose between the
Kalishnikov culture of religious extremism and a progressive Islamic
state. He made his case in terms far different than Western secular
leaders. Speaking to his Muslim nation, he invoked the name of the
Prophet Mohammad, the Koran and Islamic history and tradition.
If Osama bin Laden could find justification for his hate-filled
extremism in a corruption of Islamic belief, Musharraf found tolerance,
universal brotherhood and peace in Islam.
When we met with him 2 days later in the Presidential residence, he
repeated the message in his speech that Islam teaches not only an
obligation to God--Haqooq Allah--but also an obligation to others--
Haqooq Al-ebad. And beyond the rhetoric of tolerance, he calls for a
historic change in the madrassas, Islamic religious schools, so often
identified with the memorization of the Koran, little or no education,
and a breeding ground for hatred.
Pakistan's new jihad against illiteracy and poverty will require the
madrassas to be religious schools, with a recognized curriculum,
registered with the state; accredited in math, science and English,
with trained teachers and foreign students deported if they are not
legally in the country.
And he went further. All mosques are to be registered. Newer mosques
require government permission and the loudspeakers outside the mosque,
used traditionally for a call to prayer, cannot be used to incite
hatred or extremism.
Musharraf told us that the public response to his revolutionary
message has been positive, even among the Muslim clergy who met with
him before it was given.
He believes that Pakistan, in his words, the ``Citadel of Islam,''
can show the world that the Muslim faith is consistent with the values
of this new century.
If real peace and progress are to come to the Islamic world, we must
help him succeed.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the speech be printed in
the Record.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in
the Record, as follows:
President General Pervez Musharaf's Address to the Nation, January 12,
2002
I begin in the name of God, the most Beneficent, the most
Merciful.
Pakistani Brothers and Sisters!
As you would remember, ever since I assumed office, I
launched a campaign to rid the society of extremism, violence
and terrorism and strived to project Islam in its true
perspective. In my first speech on October 17, 1999, I had
said and I quote; ``Islam teaches tolerance, not hatred;
universal brotherhood, not enmity; peace, and not violence. I
have a great respect for the Ulema and expect them to come
forward and present Islam in its true light. I urge them to
curb elements which are exploiting religion for vested
interests and bringing a bad
[[Page S575]]
name to our faith''. After this, I initiated a number of
steps in this regard. First, in the year 2000, I started
interacting with the Taliban and counseled them to inculcate
tolerance and bring moderation in their ways. I also told
them that those terrorists who were involved in terrorist
acts in Pakistan and seeking refuge in Afghanistan should be
returned to us. Unfortunately, we did not succeed.
In the year 2001, I think it was January, we sealed the
Pak-Afghan borders and I gave directions that no students of
any Madarissah (religious seminaries) should be allowed to
cross into Afghanistan without relevant documents. After
this, I despatched a number of delegations to meet Mullah
Omar. I continued to advise them tolerance and balance.
Later, on February 15, 2001, we promulgated the Anti-
Weaponisation Ordinance. Through this law, we launched a de-
weaponisation campaign in Pakistan.
On 5th of June, on the occasion of the Seerat Conference, I
addressed Ulema belonging to all Schools of thought and spoke
firmly to them against religious extremism. On the 14th of
August 2001, we finally took a very important decision to ban
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Sipah-e-Muhammad and placed Sipah-e-
Sahaba and TJP (Tehrik-e-Jafria Pakistan) under observation.
In addition, on a number of occasions, I called Ulema and
Mashaikh and held extensive consultations with them.
The objective was to take them on board in our campaign
against terrorism and extremism. These measures have been
continuing since our government assumed office in 1999. I am
explaining all this to you in great detail only because of
the fact that the campaign against extremism undertaken by us
from the very beginning is in our own national interest. We
are not doing this under advice or pressure from anyone.
Rather, we are conscious that it is in our national
interest. We are conscious that we need to rid society of
extremism and this is being done right from the beginning.
This domestic reforms process was underway when a terrorist
attack took place against the United States on the 11th of
September. This terrorist act led to momentous changes all
over the world. We decided to join the international
coalition against terrorism and in this regard I have already
spoken to you on a number of occasions. We took this decision
on principles and in our national interest.
By the grace of God Almighty our decision was absolutely
correct. Our intentions were noble and God Almighty helped
us. I am happy to say that the vast majority of Pakistanis
stood by this decision and supported our decision. I am proud
of the realistic decision of our nation. What really pains me
is that some religious extremist parties and groups opposed
this decision. What hurts more was that their opposition was
not based on principles. At a critical juncture in our
history, they preferred their personal and party interests
over national interests.
They tried their utmost to mislead the nation, took out
processions and resorted to agitation. But their entire
efforts failed. The people of Pakistan frustrated their
designs. As I have said, I am proud of the people of Pakistan
who support correct decisions and do not pay heed to those
who try to mislead them.
I have interacted with the religious scholars on a number
of occasions and exchanged views with them. I am happy to say
that our discussions have been very fruitful. A majority of
them are blessed with wisdom and vision and they do not mix
religion with politics.
Some extremists, who were engaged in protests, are people
who try to monopolise and attempt to propagate their own
brand of religion.
They think as if others are not Muslims. These are the
people who considered the Taliban to be a symbol of Islam and
that the Taliban were bringing Islamic rennaissance or were
practising the purest form of Islam. They behaved as if the
Northern Alliance, against whom the Taliban were fighting,
were non-Muslims! Whereas, in fact, both were Muslims and
believers. These extremists were those people who do not talk
of ``Haqooqul Ibad'' (obligations towards fellow human
beings). They do not talk of these obligations because
practising them demands self-sacrifice. How will they justify
their Pajeros and expensive vehicles? I want to ask these
extremists as to who was responsible for misleading thousands
of Pakistanis to their massacre in Afghanistan? These misled
people were let down by the very people in whose support they
had gone. All of us should learn a lesson from this. We must
remember that we are Pakistanis. Pakistan is our identity,
our motherland.
We will be aliens outside Pakistan and be treated as
aliens. Pakistan is our land. It is our soil. If we forsake
it, we will face difficulties. This lesson we must learn.
Sectarian terrorism has been going on for years.
Every one of us is fed up of it. It is becoming unbearable.
Our peace-loving people are keen to get rid of the Klashinkov
and weapon culture. Every one is sick of it. It was
because of this that we banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and
Sipah-e-Muhammad. Yet little improvement occurred. The day
of reckoning has come.
Do we want Pakistan to become a theocratic state? Do we
believe that religious education alone is enough for
governance or do we want Pakistan to emerge as a progressive
and dynamic Islamic welfare state? The verdict of the masses
is in favour of a progressive Islamic state. This decision,
based on the teaching of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him)
and in line with the teachings of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama
Iqbal will put Pakistan on the path of progress and
prosperity.
Let us honestly analyse what the few religious extremists
have attempted to do with Pakistan and Islam.
First, with regard to Afghanistan, they indulged in
agitational activities. Look at the damage it has caused!
Pakistan's international image was tarnished and we were
projected by the international media as ignorant and
backward. Our economy suffered. A number of export orders
already placed with Pakistani industry were cancelled and no
new orders materialised. This led to closure of some
factories and unemployment. The poor daily wage earners lost
their livelihood. Extremists also formed a Pakistan-
Afghanistan Defence Council! Apart from damaging Pakistan,
they had negative thinking and had no idea of anything good
for Afghanistan. Did they ever think of bringing about peace
to Afghanistan through reconciliation among the Taliban and
Northern Alliance? Did they counsel tolerance to them? Did
they ever think of collecting funds for the welfare,
rehabilitation and reconstruction of the war-ravaged
Afghanistan, or to mitigate sufferings of the poor Afghan
people? Did they think of a solution to the hunger, poverty
and destruction in Afghanistan? To my knowledge, only Maulana
Abdul Sattar Edhi, God bless him, and some foreign NGOs and
the UN organisations were providing the Afghans with food and
medicines.
These extremists did nothing except contributing to
bloodshed in Afghanistan. I ask of them, whether they know
any thing other then disruption and sowing seeds of hatred?
Does Islam preach this?
Now, let us see their activity outside Afghanistan.
They initiated sectarian feuds.
Sects and different schools of thought in Islam have
existed since long. There is nothing wrong with intellectual
differences flowing from freedom of thought as long as such
differences remain confined to intellectual debates. Look at
what this extremist minority is doing? They are indulging in
fratricidal killings. There is no tolerance among them.
Quaid-e-Azam declared that Pakistan belonged to followers
of all religions; that every one would be treated equally.
However, what to speak of other religions, Muslims have
started killing each other.
I think, these people have declared more Muslims as Kafirs
(infidels) than motivating the non-Muslims to embrace Islam.
Look at the damage they have caused?
They have murdered a number of our highly qualified
doctors, engineers, civil servants and teachers who were
pillars of our society. Who has suffered? The families of the
dead, no doubt. But a greater loss was inflicted on Pakistan
because, as I said, we lost the pillars of our society. These
extremists did not stop here. They started killing other
innocent people in mosques and places of worship.
Today, people are scared of entering these sacred places of
worship. It is a matter of shame that police have to be
posted outside for their protection. We claim Islam as Deen
or a complete way of life.
Is this the way of life that Islam teaches us? That we
fight amongst ourselves and feel scared of fellow Muslims,
scared of visiting our places of worship where police have to
be deputed outside for protection? Mosques are being misused
for propagating and inciting hatred against each other's sect
and beliefs and against the Government, too.
I would like to inform you that a number of terrorist rings
have been apprehended. In Karachi, the Inspector General of
Police, while briefing me, informed that the leader of one of
these groups is the Pesh Imam (Prayer Leader) of a Mosque in
Malir. The Imam has confessed to murdering many people
himself. This is the state of affairs. To what purpose are we
using our mosques for? These people have made a state within
a state and have challenged the writ of the government.
Now, I would like to dwell upon the subject of Madaris or
Religious Schools in some detail. These schools are excellent
welfare set-ups where the poor get free board and lodge. In
my opinion, no NGO can match their welfare aspects. Many of
the madaris are imparting excellent education. In addition to
religious teachings, other subjects such as science education
and computer training are also being imparted there.
I am thankful to them for undertaking excellent welfare
measures without State funding. I would also like to say that
I have projected madaris internationally and with various
heads of states time and again.
I think no one else in Pakistan has done so much for their
cause. However, there are some negative aspects of some
madrassahs. These few impart only religious education and
such education which produces semi-literate religious
scholars. This is a weakness.
Very few madaris, I repeat very few of them, are under the
influence of politico-religious parties or have been
established by them. I know that some of these promote
negative thinking and propagate hatred and violence instead
of inculcating tolerance, patience and fraternity.
We must remember that historically, the madarasa was a
prestigious seat of learning. They were citadels of knowledge
and beacon of light for the world.
[[Page S576]]
When Islam was at its zenith, every discipline of learning
e.g.: mathematics, science, medicine, astronomy and
jurisprudence were taught at these institutions. Great Muslim
luminaries such as Al-Beruni, Ibn-e-Sina (Avesina) and Ibn
Khuldoon, were the products of these same madaris.
And if we study history, we see that from the 7th to 15th
century AD, transfer of technology took place from the
Muslims to the rest of the world. Look at Muslims' condition
today. Islam teaches us to seek knowledge, even if it
involved travel to China. I am sure you are aware that the
Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) had told prisoners of war in the
Battle of Badar that they would be set free if each of them
imparted education to ten Muslims. Quite obviously, this
education could not have been religious education as the
prisoners were non-Muslims. So the Prophet (Peace Be Upon
Him) was actually referring to worldly education. If we do
not believe in education, are we following the teachings of
Islam or violating them? We must ask what direction are we
being led into by these extremists?
The writ of the government is being challenged.
Pakistan has been made a soft state where the supremacy of
law is questioned. This situation can not be tolerated any
more. The question is what is the correct path? First of all,
we must rid the society of sectarian hatred and terrorism,
promote mutual harmony. Remember that mindsets can not be
changed through force and coercion. No idea can ever be
forcibly thrust upon any one. May be the person changes
outwardly but minds and hearts can never be converted by
force. Real change can be brought about through personal
example, exemplary character and superior intellect. It can
be brought about by Haqooq-ul-ibad (Obligation towards fellow
beings).
Have we forgotten the example of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be
Upon Him) where Islam was spread by virtue of his personal
conduct, true leadership and that is how changes in the world
took place at that time. We have forgotten the teaching of
revered personalities of Islam like Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh,
Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, Fareed Ganj Shakar, Baha-uddin
Zakria etc.
Was Islam spread by them through force and coercion?
No. They preached Islam by personal example. I give these
examples because it hurts me to see where we have relegated
ourselves now. We must restore that status of Madaris to what
it originally was. We have to change the state of affairs and
take them on the path of improvement.
The second thing I want to talk about is the concept of
Jehad in its totality. I want to dilate upon it because it is
a contentious issue, requiring complete comprehension and
understanding. In Islam, Jehad is not confined to armed
struggles only. Have we ever thought of waging Jehad against
illiteracy, poverty, backwardness and hunger? This is the
larger Jehad.
Pakistan, in my opinion, needs to wage Jehad against these
evils. After the battle of Khyber, the Prophet (Peace Be Upon
Him) stated that Jehad-e-Asghar (Smaller Jehad) is over but
Jehad-e-Akbar (Greater Jehad) has begun. This meant that
armed Jehad i.e. the smaller Jehad was now over and the
greater Jehad against backwardness and illiteracy had
started.
Pakistan needs Jehad-e-Akbar at this juncture.
By the way we must remember that only the government of the
day and not every individual can proclaim armed Jehad. The
extremist minority must realise that Pakistan is not
responsible of waging armed Jehad in the world. I feel that
in addition to Haqooq Allah (Obligations to God), we should
also focus on Haqooq-Al-ebad (Obligations towards fellow
human beings). At Schools, Colleges and Madaris, Obligations
towards fellow beings should be preached. We know that we
have totally ignored the importance of correct dealings with
fellow human beings. There is no room for feuds in Islamic
teachings. It is imperative that we teach true Islam i.e.
tolerance, forgiveness, compassion, justice, fair play, amity
and harmony, which is the true spirit of Islam. We must adopt
this.
We must shun negative thinking.
We have formulated a new strategy for Madaris and there is
need to implement it so as to galvanize their good aspects
and remove their drawbacks. We have developed a new syllabi
for them providing for teaching of Pakistan studies,
Mathematics, Science and English along with religious
subjects. Even if we want these Madaris to produce religious
leaders they should be educated along these lines. Such
people will command more respect in the society because they
will be better qualified. To me, students of religious
schools should be brought in to the mainstream of society. If
any one of them opts to join college or university, he would
have the option of being equipped with the modern education.
If a child studying at a madrasa does not wish to be a prayer
leader and he wants to be a bank official or seek employment
elsewhere, he should be facilitated.
It would mean that the students of Madaris should be
brought to the mainstream through a better system of
education. This is the crux of the Madrasa strategy.
This by no means is an attempt to bring religious
educational institutions under Government control nor do we
want to spoil the excellent attributes of these institutions.
My only aim is to help these institutions in over coming
their weaknesses and providing them with better facilities
and more avenues to the poor children at these institutions.
We must check abuse of mosques and madaris and they must
not be used for spreading political and sectarian prejudices.
We want to ensure that mosques enjoy freedom and we are
here to maintain it. At the same time we expect a display
of responsibility along with freedom. If the Imam of
mosques fail to display responsibility, curbs would have
to be placed on them.
After this analysis, now, I come to some conclusions and
decisions:
First, we have to establish the writ of the Government. All
organizations in Pakistan will function in a regulated
manner. No individual, organization or Party will be allowed
to break law of the land. The internal environment has to be
improved.
Maturity and equilibrium have to be established in the
society. We have to promote an environment of tolerance,
maturity, responsibility, patience and understanding. We have
to check extremism, militancy, violence and fundamentalism.
We will have to forsake the atmosphere of hatred and anger.
We have to stop exploitation of simple poor people of the
country and not to incite them to fueds and violence. We must
concern ourselves with our own country. Pakistan comes first.
We do not need to interfere and concern ourselves with
others. There is no need to interfere in other countries.
Now I turn to other important issues. In my view there are
three problems causing conflict and agitation in our minds.
They include: first the Kashmir Cause; secondly all political
disputes at the international level concerning Muslims; and
thirdly internal sectarian disputes and differences.
These are the three problems which create confusion in our
minds. I want to lay down rules of behaviour concerning all
the three.
Let us take the Kashmir Cause first. Kashmir runs in our
blood. No Pakistani can afford to sever links with Kashmir.
The entire Pakistan and the world knows this.
We will continue to extend our moral, political and
diplomatic support to Kashmiris. We will never budge an inch
from our principle stand on Kashmir. The Kashmir problem
needs to be resolved by dialogue and peaceful means in
accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people and the
United Nations resolutions. We have to find the solution of
this dispute. No organization will be allowed to indulge in
terrorism in the name of Kashmir. We condemn the terrorist
acts of September 11, October 1 and December 13. Anyone found
involved in any terrorist act would be dealt with sternly.
Strict action will be taken against any Pakistani
individual, group or organization found involved in terrorism
within or outside the country. Our behaviour must always be
in accordance with international norms.
On this occasion, as President of Pakistan, I want to
convey a message to Prime Minister Vajpaee: If we want to
normalize relations between Pakistan and India and bring
harmony to the region, the Kashmir dispute will have to be
resolved peacefully through a dialogue on the basis of the
aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Solving the Kashmir Issue is the joint responsibility of
our two countries. Let me repeat some of the observations
made by you, Mr. Vajpayee, some time back, and I quote:
``Mind-sets will have to be altered and historical baggage
will have to be jettisoned.'' I take you on this offer. Let
us start talking in this very spirit.
Now as Commander of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, I wish to
convey another message. The Armed Forces of Pakistan are
fully prepared and deployed to meet any challenge. They will
spill the last drop of their blood in the defence of their
country. Let there be no attempt of crossing the border in
any sector as it will be met with full force. Do not
entertain any illusions on this count.
I would also like to address the international community,
particularly the United States on this occasion. As I said
before on a number of occasions, Pakistan rejects and
condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestation.
Pakistan will not allow its territory to be used for any
terrorist activity anywhere in the world. Now you must play
an active role in solving the Kashmir dispute for the sake of
lasting peace and harmony in the region. We should be under
no illusion that the legitimate demand of the people of
Kashmir can ever be suppressed without their just resolution.
Kashmiris also expect that you ask India to bring an end to
state terrorism and human rights violations. Let human rights
organizations, Amnesty International, the international media
and U.N. peacekeepers be allowed to monitor activities of the
Indian occupation forces.
Now we come to the second problem, which causes confusion
in our minds and is of our particular concern. It relates to
conflicts involving Muslims. Our religious leaders involve
themselves in such conflicts without giving serious thought
to them. I don't want to talk at length on this.
It is for the government to take a position on
international issues. Individuals, organizations and
political parties should restrict their activities to
expression of their views. I request them to express their
views on international issues in an intellectual spirit and
in a civilized manner through force of argument.
Views expressed with maturity and moderation have greater
convincing power. Expressing views in a threatening manner
does not create any positive effect and anyone who indulges
in hollow threats is taken as an unbalanced person by the
world at large.
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I would request that we should stop interfering in the
affairs of others. First, we should attain the strength and
the importance where our views carry weight when we express
them.
Now we come to internal decisions.
The third issue causing conflict in our minds relates to
sectarian differences. As I have already pointed out that
writ of the Government will be established. No individual,
organization or party will be allowed to break the law of
the land. All functioning will be in a regulated manner
and within rules.
Now I come to the extremist organizations. Terrorism, and
sectarianism must come to an end. I had announced a ban on
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Sipah-e-Mohammad on 14 August last
year. On that occasion, I had pointed out that Sipah-e-Sahaba
and TJP would be kept under observation.
I am sorry to say that there is not much improvement in the
situation. Sectarian violence continues unabated. We have
busted several gangs involved in sectarian killings. You
would be astonished to know that in year 2001 about 400
innocent people fell victim to sectarian and other killings.
Many of the gangs apprehended include people mostly
belonging to Sipah-e-Sahaba and some to TJP. This situation
cannot be tolerated any more. I, therefore, announce banning
of both Sipah-e-Sahaba and TJP. In addition to these, TNSM
(Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat Mohammadi) being responsible for
misleading thousands of simple poor people into Afghanistan
also stands banned.
This organization is responsible for their massacre in
Afghanistan. The Government has also decided to put the Sunni
Tehreek under observation. No organization is allowed to form
Lashkar, Sipah or Jaish. The Government has banned Jaish-e-
Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Any organization or individual would face strict punitive
measures if found inciting the people to violence in internal
or external contexts.
Our mosques are sacred places where we seek the blessings
of God Almighty. Let them remain sacred. We will not allow
the misuse of mosques. All mosques will be registered and no
new mosques will be built without permission. The use of
loudspeakers will be limited only to call for prayers, and
Friday Sermon and Vaaz.
However, I would like to emphasise that special permission
is being given for ``Vaaz'' (Sermon). If this is misused the
permission will be cancelled.
If there is any political activity, inciting of sectarian
hatred or propagation of extremism in any mosque, the
management would be held responsible and proceeded against
according to law.
I appeal to all Pesh Imams to project the qualities of
Islam in the mosques and invite the people to piety. Talk of
obligations towards fellow beings, exhort them to abstain
from negative thoughts and promote positive thinking. I hope
that all Nazims, Distt. Police officers and Auqaf Department
officials will take quick action against violators of these
measures.
On Madaris, a detailed policy will be issued through a new
Madressa Ordinance. The Ordinance will be issued in a few
days. I feel happy that the Madressa policy has been
finalized in consultation with religious scholars and
Mashaikh. I have touched on the merits and shortcomings
prevailing in the Madaris. Merits have to be reinforced while
shortcomings have to be rooted out. Under the Madressa
policy, their functioning will be regulated. These Madaris
will be governed by same rules and regulations applicable to
other schools, colleges and universities. All Madaris will be
registered by 23rd March 2002 and no new Madressa will be
opened without permission of the Government.
If any Madressa (religious school) is found indulging in
extremism, subversion, militant activity or possessing any
types of weapons, it will be closed.
All Madaris will have to adopt the new syllabi by the end
of this year. Those Madaris which are already following such
syllabi are welcome to continue. The Government has decided
to provide financial assistance to such Madaris. The
government will also help the Madaris in the training of
their teachers. The Ministry of Education has been instructed
to review courses of Islamic education in all schools and
colleges also with a view to improving them. So far as
foreign students attending Madaris are concerned, we have set
rules for them. Foreign students who do not have proper
documents would be required to comply with the formalities by
23rd March 2002; otherwise they can face deportation.
Any foreigner wanting to attend Madaris in Pakistan will
have to obtain required documents from his/her native country
and NOC from the government. Only then, he or she will get
admission. The same rules will apply to foreign teachers.
Some Ulema were of the view that some poor people who come
to Pakistan for religious education should not be deported to
the countries of their origin.
I agree that this is a genuine demand but such people
should regularize their stay in Pakistan through their
respective embassies. As I have said, all such activity has
to be regulated and the writ of the Government must be
established.
With a view to ending conflict, I have explained to you at
great length the three areas causing confusion in our minds.
Making rules, regulations and issuing ordinances is easy but
their implementation is difficult. However, I feel all the
measures I have announced are of utmost importance. We have
to implement them. In this regard, the law enforcement
agencies including police must perform their duty.
We are introducing reforms in the police with a view to
improving their efficiency. A great responsibility lies on
their shoulders.
I have directed the police to ensure implementation of the
steps announced by the government and I have no doubt they
will be motivated to perform their duty.
After reforms we expect they will be better trained and
equipped to discharge their duty. Rangers and civil armed
forces will be in their support.
We are also taking steps in consultation with the judiciary
for speedy trial of cases relating to terrorism and
extremism. Anti-terrorist courts are being strengthened and
necessary orders will be issued in a few days.
Apart from these issues, I would also like to inform you,
my brothers and sisters, that we have been sent a list of 20
people by India.
I want to clear our position on this. There is no question
of handing over any Pakistani. This will never be done. If we
are given evidence against those people, we will take action
against them in Pakistan under our own laws. As far as non-
Pakistanis are concerned, we have not given asylum to any
one. Any one falling under this category will be proceeded
against whenever one is found.
My Brothers & Sisters, Pakistan is an Islamic Republic.
There are 98 percent Muslims living in this country. We
should live like brothers and form an example for rest of the
Islamic countries. We should strive to emerge as a
responsible and progressive member of the comity of nations.
We have to make Pakistan into a powerful and strong
country. We have resources and potential. We are capable of
meeting external danger. We have to safeguard ourselves
against internal dangers. I have always been saying that
internal strife is eating us like termite. Don't forget that
Pakistan is the citadel of Islam and if we want to serve
Islam well we will first have to make Pakistan strong and
powerful.
There is a race for progress among all nations.
We cannot achieve progress through a policy of
confrontation and feuds. We can achieve progress through
human resource development, mental enlightenment, high moral
character and technological development. I appeal to all my
countrymen to rise to the occasion. We should get rid of
intolerance and hatred and instead promote tolerance and
harmony.
May God guide us to act upon the true teachings of Islam.
May He help us to follow the Quaid-e-Azam's motto: ``Unity,
Faith and Discipline''. This should always be remembered. We
will be a non-entity without unity.
And I would again like to recite a couplet from Allama
Iqbal.
Fard Qaim Rabte Millat Say Hai Tanha Kuch Naheen.
Mauj Hai Darya Main Aur Baroon-e-Darya Kuch Naheen.
(Amongst the Community Do Individuals Survive; Not Alone;
Like Waves That Exist in Rivers Out of Water Are Not Known.)
Pakistan Paindabad.
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