Editorial: Musharraf “surprised and shocked”

In CNN's Late Edition news programme on March 5, President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan said he was "surprised and shocked" that the Afghan government had informed the media that it had handed over a list of names, addresses and telephone numbers of senior Taleban leaders including Mullah Omar to the Pakistani authorities. While President Musharraf's "surprise and shock" may be understandable - it apparently centres on the accuracy of the details on the list – the tone of his reaction to President Hamed Karzai and the Afghan security institutions (the defence ministry and intelligence directorate) is certainly not. President Musharraf chose to vent his anger on President Karzai because of the latter’s legitimate demand that he act against Taleban leaders who are residing in Pakistan and are involved in subversive activities inside Afghanistan. Mr. Musharraf's "harsh" reaction comes at a time when he is increasingly under pressure on two fronts. Firstly, on the domestic front the growing influence and strength of pro-Taleban political parties – which Musharraf himself actively helped become a dominant political force – are now challenging his rule. And secondly, on the global front, the Pakistani leader is under pressure for his failure to curb those who use his country to plan and carry out terrorist activities and undermine the stability of other countries. Instead of venting his anger and frustration on others, the Pakistani leader should act decisively to stop terrorists using his country as a safe haven to plan attacks aimed at destabilising other states. Pakistan must realise that by destabilising others, it will destabilise itself.