Resignation won’t solve problems: President
From Zeeshan Mirza

KARACHI—President Pervez Musharraf on Friday night said he will not hesitate for a minute to resign if it can help resolve the challenges facing the country like economic crisis, terrorism and extremism threat, and political turmoil.
“Believe me, I would have resigned four months back, had it been to the benefit of the country and the nation ,” he said while addressing businessmen at an annual dinner hosted by the Business Community of Pakistan forum at a hotel here. He said that his resignation is not a solution to the national issues, rather it would create a good leadership problem that the country cannot afford.
“People of Pakistan want my stay and the country needs me,” President Pervez Musharraf asserted. He rebutted the rumour mongers who he said were bringing political and economic instability in the country by spreading false news about his quitting the Presidency and flying to some foreign country to seek political asylum.
“There were rumours that I was to resign within next 48 hours. I have been surrounded by armed forces at the Army House. A plane is ready at Chaklala Airbase to take me abroad. But no such thing happened so far,” the President said adding that he was not afraid of any one or any thing but Allah Almighty.
He said he was not going anywhere as he had not stolen any thing, nor had he looted the national exchequer. He would die in the country. President Pervez Musharraf said he had no residence abroad and had even no money for the same. The army is standing with him as he had served and commanded this prestigious force for forty years with all professional excellence, honesty and sincerity, he said.
“It will be the last day of my life if the army shows distrust on me and surrounds me,” he said. He strongly criticised those civilians and retired personnel of the armed forces who are speaking against him only to get cheap popularity. They were doing a dis-service to the country by maligning the Presidency, which is the symbol of the nation’s unity and solidarity, he said.
“They are some mis-guided friends from the army and the civil society speaking non-sense,” he remarked adding that he could speak a lot for each of them but he would not do so in the interest and for the sake of dignity of the country.
The President stressed on promotion of national harmony and re-conciliation by shunning all differences and rising beyond personal likes or dislikes of the past. The reconciliation is the name of the game. If we would get involved in personal vendetta, the country would be pushed into more economic crisis and terrorism/extremism any other threats/problems, he said.
Pervez Musharraf said the country was rich in resources including very efficient and hardworking manpower, and it needs a good leadership. He said he would be the happiest person if coalition Government provides good governance and perform according to the people’s satisfaction/expectations.
He said we got Pakistan after a long struggle and rendering of many sacrifices by our ancestors. Thanks to them, he said, who saved the new generations of Muslims of the sub-continent from remaining under the control and exploitation of Hindus. President Musharraf emphasised for collective and sincere efforts for solidarity and prosperity of the country. Muttahida Qaumi Movement, despite being a coalition partner, has decided to adopt aggressive strategy in support of President Pervez Musharraf.