ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (Islamweb & News Agencies)_ President Gen. Pervez Musharraf warned India on Saturday that Pakistan was ready to defend its borders against any act of aggression by its South Asian rival. (Read photo caption below) In his annual Pakistani National Day address, Musharraf expressed a willingness to hold talks with India to resolve all issues — including the long-standing dispute over the Himalayan region of Kashmir.The countries have fought two wars over Kashmir since they won independence from British colonial role in 1947.
In a wide-ranging speech echoing traditional patriotic themes, Musharraf also struck back at critics, defending his course on security, foreign policy and domestic issues.
He expressed Pakistan's unyielding resolve to cooperate with the United States in its war on terrorism, pledging to crush what he called extremists no matter what the cost.
He said the menace of terrorism must be eliminated "even if we have to pay a price for it."
Pakistan is a key backer of coalition forces in their fight against terrorism, but the support has come at a high cost. Violence has surged throughout the country since Musharraf ordered a crackdown on so-called extremists on Jan. 12.
Musharraf, who seized power in a bloodless coup in 1999, did not give any hints about his domestic political plans, a subject that has prompted widespread debate in the country of 147 million.
Musharraf has been holding high-level meetings to muster support for a referendum reaffirming his rule, according to politicians attending the meetings. The ballot would be held sometime before parliamentary elections set for October
PHOTO CAPTION:
President Gen. Pervez Musharraf poses before his national address on Pakistan television Saturday, March 23, 2002, on the occassion of Pakistan Day in Islamabad, Pakistan. In his National Day address Gen. Musharraf warned India that Pakistan was ready to defend its borders against any act of aggression by its South Asian rival. Portrait of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan, is seen on left. (AP Photo/Press Informationa Department/ho)