Islamabad, July 13, IRNA, Pakistan's President General Pervez Musharraf Thursday announced the government would not allow any mosque and seminary to be misused like Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa.

"Extremism and terrorism would be defeated in every corner of the country," General Musharraf told the nation in a televised address.

The president said with the successful completion of the operation against Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa the president sought support of the nation in changing the mindset of the misguided elements.

He said the act would not eliminate extremism and terrorism from the society but the government's resolve is unwavering in defeating the menace in every province and corner of the country.

Giving details of the reasons leading to the standoff at Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa, President Musharraf said terrorists were provided shelter there and the students were fully armed and a stick-wield brigade of female students was prepared. Children library was occupied, policemen and even Chinese nationals were kidnapped.

He said the kidnapping of the Chinese nationals was the most embarrassing for the government as the country is the most trusted friend of Pakistan.

He said even the Chinese president called him regarding the incident as the incident was shameful.

The president said the adjoining buildings were damaged and set on fire and even the fire brigade was not allowed to extinguish it.

Even the national flag was seen burning.

President Musharraf said a vast majority of the people of Pakistan is moderate and they have been expressing their concern and anxiety over the ongoing Lal Masjid crisis.

He said there was a pressure from the people on the government to act swiftly on the issue.

He said the government was even blamed for deceiving and gimmicking.

"But the government showed patience and tolerance and wanted to resolve this issue peacefully as women and children were inside the premises and situation demanded prudence and not the use of force. The government's endeavor was to save lives."
The president said all efforts were made to secure the release of women and children and government succeeded in freeing two thousand women and children prior to the 3rd of July and thirteen hundred more were rescued afterward as a result of government's patience and tolerance.

He said till the very last moment efforts were made to convince the militants to lay down their arms and let the women and children walk out.

He said that Pakistan Muslim League leader Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and others negotiated with them throughout the night and even the military action was delayed for the peaceful solution of the issue.

Even the armed forces lost the advantage of the darkness of the light in mounting the operation which led to casualties on the part of the security forces.

He said Council of Islamic Ideology was involved in the talks and even Imam-e-Kaabah was invited to help resolve the issue.

The president categorically stated that that the objective of the operation was to save lives as utmost care was taken by the forces which resulted in the martyrdom of ten members of the Special Services Group and injuries to thirty-three of them.

He said seventy-five militants were killed in the action which is not a matter of rejoicing and termed the loss of lives as regrettable.

He said we did not defeat and overcome the enemy but these were our own people who were misguided.

President said that nobody has a right to take away the right of other human beings as life is a gift of God and saving one human being tantamount to saving the whole humanity.

The president said that the negotiations failed because Abdul Rashid Ghazi wanted amnesty and safe passage for himself and his companions including foreigners.

They wanted amnesty for their acts right from the occupation of Children Library.

This could not be acceptable to any government.

General Pervez Musharraf said the militants inside Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa had their linkages with the extremists in tribal regions and some parts of Northwest Frontier Province.

He said the provincial government would extend support to the federal government in its efforts to counter extremism and combat terrorism.

He said the Frontier Corps, Frontier Constabulary, Khasadr Force and Levies would be equipped with modern weapons, they would be better trained and augmented. Even tanks and guns would be provided to them and this task would be complEted within six months with the full backing and support of the army.

The President strongly urged all those running madrassas in the country including the ulema of Wafaqul Madaris to help remove hatred and violence out of the minds of their students.

He said these youngsters should be taught the real essence and true values of Islam and underlined that the ulema will have to play a proactive role in stopping militancy and extremism wherever it is being taught and preached.

President lamented that the week-long fight at the Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa and the subsequent capture of heavy weapons from the premises would hamper government and his efforts in seeking the support of the global community in modernizing and streamlining the religious seminaries.

However the president reiterated the resolve that efforts would continue in this regard.

The president praised the Pakistan Army, the Rangers and Police for their commendable job during the operation.

He especially lauded the Special Services Group and said that he was proud of them as ten of them embraced martyrdom and thirty-three were injured during operation including a Lt. colonel.

He said some civilians also died and prayed that Allah may grant strength to the bereaved families to bear the loss.

He also regretted the inconvenience caused the residents of G-6 suffered due to curfew but it was for their own safety.