It’s Possible Pak Knew of Osama Living in Abottabad: Musharraf

In a candid interview, Musharraf opens up about Pakistan’s terror situation, Pathankot attacks and more.

General Pervez Musharraf, Former Pakistan President. (Photo: Reuters)

Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf is known to have quite strong views when it comes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Samjhauta blasts probe and trust issues between India and Pakistan.

He often aggressively discusses these topics when asked if Pakistan is a terror haven or how the peace process has progressed or derailed since his time as President.

General Musharraf spoke with CNN-IBN’s Zakka Jacob precisely about these issues in the context of Masood Azhar, Jaish-e-Mohammad chief, and his alleged involvement in the Pathankot attack.

He staunchly defended Pakistan’s position against terrorism, India’s alleged involvement in Balochistan and the the Samjhauta blasts probe to counter arguments related to the Pathankot attack.

Talking Terror: Pathankot and Balochistan

Masood Azhar, Chief of the Jaish-e-Mohammad militant group, allegedly involved in the terror strike at the Pathankot Air Force base. (Photo: Reuters)

When asked why Masood Azhar was still free in Pakistan even after the Pakistani establishment knows him to be the man who tried to assassinate Musharraf himself, this is what the General had to say.

<p>Yes, he tried to kill me. I am personally against his acts. But back then, he was underground and we didn’t know his whereabouts, unless information was hidden from me. I’m sure of his involvement in the Pathankot attack and that it was not backed by the ISI or the Pakistani government.</p>

Calling Azhar a non-state actor, Musharraf said he agrees that the Pakistani government must deal with him.

But as the discussion on terrorism went further, Musharraf got defensive raking up the Samjhauta blasts probe.

When asked what he expects from India on that front, he however said that it has been so long that no one in Pakistan knows what is happening with the probe. He questioned why India does not involve Pakistan in the probe.

He also alleged that Indian agencies like the RAW have been involved in attacks on Pakistani bases in Balochistan.

The Idea of Pak: Poor Intel, Terror Haven, Home to Osama?

(Left to right) Raheel Sharif, Pakistan Army Chief, Lashkar e Toiba Chief Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, Al Qaeda Chief Osama bin Laden. (Photo: Reuters/PTI/Reuters)

Musharraf was also asked about Pakistan being a terror haven and that it was an issue even with the US.

On the issue, he attacked the US saying,

<p>The US must realise that they have a major role to play in the terror that prevails in this part of the world.</p>

While on the issue, he also spoke about the expose on the channel in which former Pakistani Defence Minister Chaudhary Ahmed Mukhtar claimed that the Pakistani establishment knew that deceased Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden was in Pakistan.

Also Read on The Quint: Pak Prez and General Knew Osama Bin Laden Lived in Abbotabad

<p>I agree that Osama bin Laden was a terrorist. It is possible that for about five years, some people in the military establishment knew that he was living so close by in Abottabad. </p>

However, he quickly did a flip-flop and defended Pakistan saying, “But I also wonder how the most intelligent establishment, the CIA, did not have any intelligence about 9/11”.

He said, Pakistan’s was a case of ignorance and poor intelligence.

The Problem of Trust and Talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif during his surprise visit to Lahore. (Photo: PTI)

Musharraf also spoke at length about the issues with Indo-Pak talks and where the bottleneck is, according to him.

The General said that while he is favourable to the idea of prime ministers meeting, one has to see the substance they are discussing and if there is progress or malice behind these interactions.

He was also critical of Modi in the interview, calling his efforts towards Paksitan “insincere”. Musharraf said,

<p>I judge Modi by his speech in Afghanistan, not by his Pakistan visit, which was insincere. He insulted Pakistan in Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Statements by Modi and his ministers hamper goodwill gestures. </p>

He agreed that both countries must work together against terror and try not to derail the peace process. He said the intelligence wars between India and Pakistan have been going on for a very long time and that it was time to agree not to wage wars.

Musharraf commented that the root of Indo-Pak problems is India’s unwillingness to discuss Kashmir. Attacking India, Musharraf also said that Pakistan cannot be bulldozed into doing what India wants.

In conclusion, Musharraf said that there is a lack of trust between both nations which is the bone of contention.