IG: What is Pakistan’s role beyond this region?
AB: Pakistan being an Islamic Republic has been actively engaged beyond the region to take up causes which are important for Muslims around the world. When events like Babri Masjid take place, we feel hurt. If Muslims around the world face problems, we do chip in. But it is done in a low profile manner.
IG: Are there any linkages between Al-Qaida and LeT?
AB: I don’t have any evidence of Al-Qaida or LeT linkages. There are elements closely linked. You will not find Pakistan wanting, whoever is involved in terrorist activities will be apprehended. If Indian PM or Home Minister predicts another Mumbai like attack. They must be saying it on the basis of some information. Share that with us. So we can preempt (it).
IG: Pakistan is facing a severe electricity shortage. Are you trying to buy power from your neighbouring countries?
AB: Buying electricity from Iran is an option. We are looking at other options as well. Nuclear power generation has long gestation period. Pakistan has huge hydro-electric potential as well. Some 50,000 MWs of power, has largest coal reserves. We have signed agreement on IP gas pipeline.
IG: Water is becoming another irritant in your relations with India. Is there any possibility of resolving it?
AB: Our contention is not that India is building hydro projects on western rivers allocated to Pakistan. India is allowed (to do so). But our contention is the designs of these projects, which violates the treaty. Flow of water and diversions should not affect Pakistan.
On Kishanganga, we have waited for two years from India to respond to our objections. They told us, orally, they have changed designs. But they have not communicated in writing. So there is no record. We have informed India that we are going to World Bank for appointing of arbitrator. That is first step.
IG: Besides water and Kashmir, Afghanistan too is turning into another battleground?
AB: It is not only Pakistan, US and Western countries also contributed to what happened in Afghanistan. They also supported Gulbadin Hikmatyar and now depict him as terrorist. After London conference, international community agreed with Pakistan. We strongly believe that deterrence and dialogue are only ways forward. We want stability in Afghanistan. We are still hosting two million Afghan refugees.
Any reconciliation or reintegration programme should be Afghan driven process. Pakistan can be helpful. It is for Afghan government to tell us. We kept ourselves away from presidential elections. Even Abdullah Abdullah appreciated it. We have concerns India is using Afghan soil to create trouble in FATA and Balochistan.
