Beijing, Sept 9: Pakistan would have faced the combined military might of the US and India if it had not allowed American troops on its territory to fight Taliban in Afghanistan after 9/11 terror attacks, former military ruler Pervez Musharraf has said.
“I do not regret at all. I think it was a very correct decision and if I am told for the same situation I will take the same decision,” he told Chinese state run CCTV in an interview from his exile in Dubai.
While his decision was prompted by his conviction that Taliban and its thoughts were not conducive for Pakistan, he was also concerned about the prospects of US troops operating from India to attack Taliban in Afghanistan violating Pakistan's sovereignty.
“Certainly the US was going to attack Afghanistan that was clear. Where can they attack from? Through India and India was all set and ready to extend all kinds of facilities,” Musharraf said.
“If they come from India and we are not with them and what happens. Pakistan then has to oppose the might of US and India together. Because they had to go through Pakistan if they have to reach Afghanistan and our sovereignty will be violated whether on land or air, from wherever. Our sovereignty will be violated,” the former military ruler said.
“So quite clearly that was not in the interest of Pakistan at all and Pakistan could not face the threat of the force that would have violated our sovereignty or had been opposed to us,” he said. PTI
