Extremism is Pakistan's biggest threat: Musharraf

Lahore, May 26 (ANI): Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said that extremism poses the biggest threat to Pakistan.

In an interview to a private TV channel, Musharraf claimed that Islamabad has taken several steps to thwart extremism, and criticism in this regard was baseless.

He urged both India and Afghanistan to join Pakistan in initiating some harsh measures to root out extremism from the region.

Commenting on the Swat offensive, the Daily Times quoted him as saying that the security forces should remain in the valley even after the operation is called-off.

Musharraf also defended the Lal Masjid operation, claiming that several male and female suicide bombers were hiding inside the mosque when the operation was launched.

He said everything was done to resolve the issue through peaceful dialogue, but ultimately a security operation has to be launched.

"Abdul Aziz was challenging the writ of the government. I sent many people to counsel him, including members of the Islamic Ideology Council, the wife of Abdul Sattar Edhi and the Imam of Ka'aba," Musharraf said. (ANI)