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CNN Live Saturday

Pakistani President Bans Islamic Militant Groups

Aired January 12, 2002 - 15:09   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CATHERINE CALLAWAY, CNN ANCHOR: Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf says that he is banning two Islamic militant groups that are blamed for the deadly attack on the Indian Parliament. In the meantime, the Indian army reports that it has seized weapons from a militant hide-out. One army spokesman says that they believe militants were poised to use the weapons against Indian targets.

And if you want more information on these new developments, let's go to CNN's Tom Mintier in Pakistan.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TOM MINTIER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): It was a much anticipated speech, a speech full of details, mostly for Pakistanis. The president outlawing several groups that have been responsible for militancy here. Also basically challenging the religious clerics, saying that the time for militant jihad is over, that jihad has to mean removing illiteracy and poverty in Pakistan, and that jihad should begin now.

There has been a round-up of Pakistani militants over the last 24 hours here. Basically, more than 250 people have been taken into custody, and the offices of several of the groups have been sealed. This came in advance of the president's speech. The president also addressed the issue of dealing with militancy, saying that Pakistan did not support terrorist in any way.

PRES. PERVEZ MUSHARRAF, PAKISTAN: Pakistan rejects and condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Pakistan will not allow its territory to be used for any terrorist activity anywhere in the world.

MINTIER: The one major issue that was being watched worldwide was the current tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. The president talked about Kashmir, calling on the United States and the United Nations to play a more active role.

MUSHARRAF: Now, you must play an active role in solving the Kashmir dispute, for the sake of lasting peace and harmony in the region.

MINTIER: Reaction to the speech came quickly. One of the militant groups that was outlawed by the Pakistani president has already said it will go to the Supreme Court here in Pakistan to try to have his ruling overturned -- something that's not likely to happen.

Tom Mintier, CNN, Islamabad, Pakistan.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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