Troops cut hinges on settlement of Kashmir issue: Musharraf

Pakistani President, Pervez Musharraf aims before firing a weapon manufactured by Pakistan Ordinance Factories (POF) at a firing range at Wah, some 35 km west of Islamabad on Saturday. Musharraf said the POF is the force behind the armed forces and with 30,000 skilled workers is doing an excellent work for which its engineers, technicians and skilled workers deserve appreciation. Photo: AFP

In an interview with a German TV channel, the President said, "We have already offered and we are still ready to reduce number of our troops if Kashmir issue is addressed." The interview was aired on Saturday.

He further said: "We want resolution of all disputes. But that does not mean that we will ever sideline the Kashmir dispute. Kashmir has to be resolved... we want resolution of all issues including Jammu and Kashmir dispute."

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Once again averting the idea of disarmament, Musharraf said, "Pakistan would continue to maintain conventional and non-conventional military balance in the region. We will never compromise on our honour and dignity... we don't want war, but peaceful resolution of all disputes."

Directly holding India for triggering arms race in the sub-continent, and apparently defending his defence policy, Musharraf said, "We have to deter war... we have to prevent war through a no-win situation by showing the enemy a no-win situation, not only that but a situation where they may be defeated even in a war or conflict. That is the minimum deterrence I am talking of, and that is the deterrence we have to maintain."

Regarding the strong opposition to constitutional amendments under the Legal Framework Order (LFO), he said, "These amendments have been introduced in accordance with the assent of the Supreme Court, and are not meant to benefit any one but to provide a system of checks and balances."

Stating that in the 1990s there were no checks and balances on power brokers in Pakistan, the President said in that era the country saw a reign of uncertainty, dysfunctional democracy, and politicised corrupt governments.

PTI adds: Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged heavy shelling along Line of Control in Noushera sector in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, official sources said here.

Pakistani troops targeted Jhanghar and Bhawani areas of the sector and fired about 80 mortar bombs from across the border during Saturday night, they said.

Indian troops also retaliated and the exchange of shelling between two sides continued till early on Sunday, they said.