Saturday, November 3, 2007

Musharraf not a reliable partner: BJP

New Delhi (PTI): Denouncing imposition of emergency in Pakistan, BJP on Saturday said the move underlines that President Pervez Musharraf was not a reliable ally in the fight against "jehadi terror" and asked the UPA government to mount pressure for restoration of democracy in that country.

Expressing solidarity with the people of Pakistan in this "hour of trial", Leader of the Opposition L K Advani said the developments in that country are a "matter of deep concern" for the entire international community and a cause of greater worry to neighbour India.

The struggle for democracy and fight against terrorism, fuelled by religious extremism, are "inseparable" in Pakistan and "the international community must understand that those who imposed the emergency for perpetuation of military rule in Pakistan cannot be a reliable ally in the struggle against jehadi terrorism," he said in a statement.

"I would like to convey my deepest solidarity to the people of Pakistan in this hour of trial, and hope that their struggle for democracy and rule of law will succeed soon," he said.

Reacting to the developments, Former External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha said "Musharraf has showed his true colour of a military dictator by bringing an end to democracy."

"Considering the fact that Pakistan has been established as an epicentre of terrorism, the move is not only a concern for South Asia but also to the whole world," he said noting that world forums must ensure that democracy is restored in Pakistan.

"We would like to urge the government to secure our borders and build up international pressure for restoration of democracy in the neigbouring country," he added.

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