Sending US troops inside Pakistan borders to run counter to interests of Pakistan: Pervez Musharraf

LONDON: Former president Pervez Musharraf has said sending US troops to Pakistan will be but an unproductive move adding he does not recommend that US troops are dispatched to operate inside Pakistan borders as this will not only run counter to public opinion but are also against the interests of Pakistan.

Former president said this in his interview with British TV Sky News here Sunday. He stressed success in Afghan war was essential for the sake of improvement in prevailing situation of Pakistan.

War strategy in Afghanistan was heading towards right direction, he said adding "we" all however needed more advice and consultation on this count. More force and troops were needed and "we" would have to focus on long-term strategy. Short-term mechanism was being formulated with reference to Afghanistan at present, he observed. Financial assistance and aid would be needed and a comprehensive strategy would have to be devised, he urged.

Resurgence in Taliban activities was noticed after my exit from power, he held. Problem surfaced particularly in Swat, he added. However Pakistan was stable and would remain stable, he hoped.

Garrisons should be built in troubled areas, he stressed. FC strength be enhanced so that they could fight against Al-qaeda and Taliban, he suggested. Army should remain present there for assistance, he further proposed.

Dialogue should be held with moderate Talibans, he urged. Military operation was not a complete solution to this problem, he opined. "We have to counter extremism and terrorism at every cost", he observed. Problem in Afghanistan would not be addressed by sending helicopters only, he maintained. Ground offensives should also be carried out, he emphasized.

Taliban had committed many wrong deeds, he said adding use of forces however can not be last option to this issue. Taliban would have to come round the negotiating table eventually, he underlined.