President General Pervez Musharraf warned militants on Tuesday that they should lay down their arms, otherwise “they will be eliminated and allowed to exist no more”. “Where does decency stand on the way to blowing up gas pipelines and railway tracks? These elements are opposed to development and want their hegemony to prevail. I warn them to surrender, otherwise they will be eliminated and they will not be allowed to exist any more ... these miscreants are minimal in number, and we will deal with them. If they want to fight, I know (how) to fight more than them,” said Musharraf while inaugurating the Gwadar deep-sea port here on Tuesday. Port operations began with the unloading of cargo from three ships. He said that 2007 would be election year, and called on people to reject extremists, and “vote for my associates ... if they stay, there will be development”.
About the suspended chief justice, the president said it was a constitutional and legal matter, and the Supreme Judicial Council would be “free” to make any decision. “It will be acceptable to us whatever decision it makes. However, certain elements are trying to politicise this issue. I will counter them with the might of the masses,” he added. He said the Gwadar Port would serve as a trade corridor for Central Asia, China and the Gulf.
He said the 950-kilometre Gwadar-Turbat-Khizdar-Ratto Dher road would be completed within two-and-a-half years. Musharraf said that the foundation stone for Somiani Port would be laid this year.