Zardari admits nurturing Taliban and anti-India militants

A while ago US secretary of state Hillary Clinton had admitted that US played key role in creating Taliban in Pakistan and now the President of Pakistan Mr Asif Ali Zardari admits in an interview that the taliban were created and nurtured as a policy to gain some short-term benefits. It is a very candid admission from the head of state of Pakistan. Though it has always been known to the world that Pakistan has systematically supported the terrorist organizations in India since 1990s but official statement had been that they sympathise with the people of Kashmir.

He has also pointed out that civil government is not weak and now no one is interested in having the taliban in the country. This shows that the country and the civil administration think that there is no way to hurt the neighbours and not being suffer by the same for long. Though the credit should go to Mr Mussaraf for taking a strong stand to eradicate the talibans from Pakistan and have good relationship with India and US. It is hard to believe that some of the officials are still not supporting, actively or passively, to the militants in Pakistan. Over the last two decades a whole generation has developed a mindset that the militants are heroes and they are doing good for the Pakistan and the people of Kashmir.

Mr Zardari's admission also shows his willingness to have good ties with its eastern neighbour, India. India should also reciprocate the positive signs shown by Pakistan and start the discussion at all the levels. As I have always been supporter of strong economic relationship between the two countries to mitigate the risk of distrust and develop confidence in each other, during this time of recession it will be more helpful for each country.

This change in policy is welcomed and time has come for the countries to move decisively.