Musharraf a man of liberal thoughts: Altaf

The founder chief of Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Altaf Hussain, has said that President General Pervez Musharraf is a man of liberal thoughts and that he has taken a bold step on the issue of Kashmir. Addressing a press conference at a local hotel he said that it was a difficult decision to make, as the 9/11 incident had changed the world situation and on the other hand religious extremists were against General Musharraf.
He said that Musharraf's efforts regarding cordial ties with the rest of the world and particularly India depict that he wants true friendship with India.
Regarding uniform issue, he said that Musharraf never imposed martial law. Instead, he held general elections in three years. About his own exile Altaf said that he had submitted application for the issuance of passport to Pakistani High Commission in London for which he was still waiting.
He said that President Musharraf, even being Chief of Army Staff, was not safe against murder attempts of religious extremists. Similarly, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz was attacked, and added that he also felt danger for his life.
He said that he was attacked many times in Pakistan after which his accomplices forced him to go abroad and lead them from there.
About LoC he said that forces should be withdrawn from LoC considering it a temporary border and negotiations be undertaken stopping all unnecessary interference. This, he said, would bring Kashmiris closer to each other, and added that soon a better and practical solution would be found.
He said that he proposed three solutions for the Kashmir issue including war and observed that war would not be the permanent solution as three wars fought earlier yielded no result.
He said that there was time when India had close ties with Russia but now it has better relations with US. This proves that different strategy should be adopted at different situations. He said that relations between India and Pakistan should not be limited to some areas but it should be extended to the rest also and added that Sindh was also part of Pakistan and Sindhis are also willing to have relations with Indians.