Former president General (r) Pervez Musharraf has ruled out the use of nuclear weapons in case of an armed conflict between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of February 14 suicide attack in occupied Kashmir’s Pulwama district which left over 40 paramilitary forces killed.
“It is ridiculous even to say that there will be the use of an atomic bomb in case of any war between the nuclear neighbours. If Pakistan uses one bomb, India will use 20 bombs so Pakistan may have to use 50 – this is disastrous,” the ex-military ruler said while replying to question at a news conference in Dubai on Friday, according to Gulf News.
“People who are talking about such possibilities have no idea of warfare,” he said, adding that nuclear weapon at best is deterrence and should not be used by anyone.
The former president went on to say that the relations between Islamabad and New Delhi have been very tense and even dangerous for the 10 months.
Musharraf, who is also the founder of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), addressed the media along with his senior party members – newly elected APML Chairman Hidayatullah Kheshgi and Secretary General Mehreen Malik. He announced he would be reorganising his party both in Pakistan and abroad and would enter the political scene before the next elections.
While replying to a question about his return to Pakistan, the ex-military general said: “I am planning to go back soon as the environment is conducive for my return to Pakistan,” he said replying to a question.
He went on to say that many of the senior officials and ministers working for the Prime Minister Imran Khan government had also worked under him and would help him on his return.
However, he did not give any specific time frame for his return.
While talking about the ongoing reconciliation process in Afghanistan, Musharraf said that relations between Kabul and Islamabad are also at the lower level and they should work to improve ties.
To a question on withdrawal of US forces from the war-torn country, he said that Afghanistan would head to civil war and the Taliban will be the winner again. “If the US withdraws from Afghanistan, there will be a proxy war between India and Pakistan in Afghanistan.”
Focusing on the boosting ties with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Musharraf said: “The UAE and Saudi Arabia always stood with Pakistan and helped our country in all possible ways.”
It was Nawaz Sharif who spoiled our relations,” he added.
The article originally appeared on Gulf News
