Pak not fighting terrorism for US: Musharraf

Islamabad, Aug 14: President Pervez Musharraf has said that Pakistan's fight against terrorism and extremism was in its own national interest, and not at the behest of any other country. "We are not fighting terrorism and extremism for the sake of America, but we are confronting this menace in our own interest," Musharraf told a special television programme called 'From Aiwan-e-Sadr'.

Musharraf described terrorism and extremism as the country's biggest challenges as they were a serious threat to peace, security and development. He said al Qaeda and other terrorist groups were hiding in the tribal areas and were involved in terrorist activities.

Musharraf urged the entire nation to rise against terrorism, and added that poverty and lack of education were the root causes of militancy. "Our policy is pro-Pakistan...I strongly believe that Pakistan comes first. I do not blindly pursue policies of others and see everything from Pakistan's point of view," he said.

Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline plan project is in Pakistan's interest and we are pursuing it, the Daily Times quoted Musharraf, as saying. Reacting to statements made by US presidential candidates calling for unilateral US action in Pakistan's tribal areas, Musharraf said that he was 200 per cent sure that these views are held neither at the official nor government level.

He said US President George W Bush called him over the phone and assured him of respect for Pakistan's sovereignty. Musharraf admitted that his popularity had declined as compared to October 9, 1999; however, he said there was no danger to the present government.

He said if re-elected, his priorities would be to sustain the economic growth it had achieved over the last seven years, to fight and defeat extremism and terrorism.

ANI>