[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Pages 941-944]
[From the U.S. 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 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

[[Page 942]]

     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. Everyone 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.
       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

[[Page 943]]

     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 overcoming 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 the 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. Vajpaee, 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.
       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

[[Page 944]]

     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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