Musharraf speech to MPs: Excerpts

General Musharraf: First address to parliament since seizing power

The following are excerpts from President Pervez Musharraf's address to parliament on Saturday, in which he called for a holy war against extremists. It was broadcast live on Pakistan TV.

Pakistan stands at such a crossroads where, if we make right decisions, we will take the path to progress. And if we make wrong decisions, the country, God forbid, will have to face destruction.

Pakistan today faces four dangerous allegations from around the world. First of all, we are being held responsible for fostering terrorism in Afghanistan from tribal areas. Second, we are being blamed for terrorism across the Line of Control in Kashmir.

Third, the allegation of proliferating nuclear arms is also being levelled against us. Fourth, our society is being seen as an extremist and intolerant society.

We will have to make far-reaching and important decisions to take Pakistan towards a glorious future... We will have to pull Pakistan out of the crisis of negative perceptions, and will have to lead the country on the path of progress and prosperity.

Nuclear arms

We will have to act with full might against such foreign elements who can become a source of terrorism from our border areas. With reference to Kashmir, the only option to counter the allegations against us is a peaceful and just resolution of Kashmir.

Any individual or group involved in hatred, sectarianism, and terrorism must be eliminated from Pakistan forever General Musharraf

Regarding progress that has been made in this area - a settlement needs to be reached in a sincere way and bearing in mind the wishes of the Kashmiris.

Our nuclear and missile strength is for Pakistan's defence, and it is in our interest to strengthen it - it is in our national interest. However, we have to assure the world that we are a responsible nation and will not allow proliferation of nuclear arms.

It is only a small number of people who are promoting the menace of extremism in society, who are extremists and, by wrongly representing Islam, want to impose their myopic views on everybody. Such people are devouring our country from inside, whereas the fact is that a very large majority of the country are moderates...

Holy war

I appeal to the people of Pakistan to wage jihad against extremism, so that Pakistan, in harmony with the spirit of religion, can be made a moderate, true Islamic welfare state... We all have to ensure that any individual or group involved in hatred, sectarianism, and terrorism must be eliminated from Pakistan forever...

We are a missile and nuclear power. Not only should we maintain this capability but we should also further reinforce it. Pakistan can never ignore this important asset necessary for national survival. We are proud of our armed forces...

By the grace of God, our country's economy has been stabilised. In the economic field, at the moment all the macro-economic indicators are positive... I realise that we have to spread the benefits of all these indicators to the people so that poverty is alleviated. The question is: where does poverty exist and how can it be alleviated?...

To alleviate it, first of all, agriculture will have to be developed through new dams, canals and irrigation systems. Poor people's living standards will also improve through infrastructure projects for roads, railways and ports... We have to divert more resources for education and health...

Democracy needed

For Pakistan's stability and continuing development, it needs a sustainable democratic system. The question is, why has the democratic process failed over and over again in the past? The steps which have been taken to establish true democracy in our country and make it sustainable will have to be continued.

Devolution of power to the lower levels has made the people masters of their own fate and their problems are being solved at the local level... On the national level, through the 17th amendment, a system of checks and balances has been enforced so that martial law will not be imposed in the future and the assemblies can complete their terms.

To further strengthen this system, it is necessary to establish a national security council.