Pakistan’s Islamic Group: Coalition Must Change Musharraf’s Course

Abdul-Ghaffar Aziz (Advisor to the Chairman of Pakistan"s Islamic Group) has warned in statements to Ikhwanweb the governing coalition against repeating the same policies of Musharraf, saying it will face the same end if it does not change course.

Abdul-Ghaffar indicated that Musharraf decided to step down after popular calls for his resignation.

"Musharraf"s tragic end began since his coalition with the U.S. administration in the so called war on terror,” he told Ikhwanweb. “Such alliance jeopardized Pakistan"s national interests and security.”

Musharraf ignored all national concerns in favor of American policies, he said. Therefore, Public discontent led to such an inevitable end, he added, asserting that the Islamic Group has been expecting such a step once the people determine their destiny.

Abdul-Ghaffar warned them against giving precedence to the U.S. interests over Pakistan’s in order not to face a more tragic end than Musharraf. He indicated that the ruling coalition is in a real test before the peoples" choice.

He underscored the disagreements between the two wings of the coalition, especially regarding the nomination of Asef Ali Zirdari, the widower of the assassinated former party chief Benazir Bhutto for the presidential office.

He also indicated the possibility of changing the Pakistani political map in the future and that Nawaz Sherif hinted at an alliance with opposition parties, especially the Islamic Group.

Abdul-Ghaffar stated that the Islamic Group has clear priorities based on what achieves national interests, and that the group, without necessarily being within a ruling coalition, will offer unconditional support to all those who introduce services to the Pakistani people and correct Musharraf"s mistakes.

Pervez Musharraf announced his resignation on August 18, 2008 during his speech to the nation saying he did that for the sake of the Pakistani national interests.