Who is Trying to Kill Musharraf?

Dec. 28, 2003
Asim Mughal

After a third attempt on his life since he assumed power, recent two attacks, the most recent being two-pronged, the question on everyoneís mind is who is trying to kill Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf?

Internationally, Pakistan & Musharraf are the staunch supporters and ally of America, especially in U.S. led war on terrorism for over 3 years now. Pakistan & Musharraf demonstrated the commitment in solid resolve and in practice. From joint patrolling of Afghan border, supporting Karzai, accepting anti-Pakistan Northern Alliance government in Kabul. However, some western media circles have been incessant in doubting Musharraf. Todayís Editorial by ëThe New York Timesî called Musharraf ìauthoritarianî and sows the seeds of distrust by claiming Musharraf is either losing control or moving closer to hard-line Islamic radicals.

The facts on the ground are quite different. Musharraf is neither authoritarian losing control nor moving closer to hard-line Islamic radicals. Musharraf has from the beginning the full support of all core commanders of the military. They are the ones who handed him the power after ensuring his plane lands safely back in Oct 1999 when Prime Minister Sharif tried to kill Musharraf. The top ruling body of Pakistan is not Musharraf; it is the National Security Council of which Musharraf is a member. Removing Musharraf from power really does not affect the policies of Pakistan. There is absolutely no reason for the Americans to kill Musharraf and lose their most staunch ally in Pakistan.

Regarding moving closer to hard-line Islamic radicals claims. After a year or so stalemate by the opposition parties, the ruling party has agreed and worked out a compromise that is an evidence of democratic processes in action. For the first time, we see a compromise and will to solve difference among political parties. Rather than hailing this big step in democracy in Pakistan, it is sad to see it being called ëmoving closer to anti-American and Islamic radicals by Musharraf.í

Now that a political compromise has been reached on LFO and demands of opposition are met, there is really no reason for Islamic radicals or even the opposition to kill Musharraf.

One-question remains, who else has the motives, resources, means and equipment, one ton of explosives and tracking capabilities? The only real personal enemy of Musharraf is Indian military that suffered at the hands of Pakistanís Kargil hero Musharraf. It is no doubt Indian Intelligence RAW has operatives in Pakistan, with open borders and routes now, the means to transport the necessary equipment and passing of advance intel on real-time tracking of Musharraf's motorcade is possible.

The motives and means of attacks starting from RAW stronghold of Karachi point fingers back at New Delhi despite what is claimed otherwise officially or unofficially.

So far powerful electronic jamming devices in Musharraf's car have saved his life by delaying the triggering of sophisticated bombs aimed at him. Something, the Indians perhaps did not count on.

http://www.paknews.com/editorials.php?id=1&date1=2003-12-28