Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said that he is open to forming a political alliance with the proscribed terrorist group Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) and its chief Hafiz Saeed.
According to a report in Dawn, the former president told a local Pakistani channel that LeT and JuD are both very good organisations of Pakistan.
Responding to a question on possibilities of his entering into alliance with groups associated with Hafiz Saeed, Pervez Musharraf said, "If it is meant to be, it will be.”
"There have been no talks yet, but if they want to be included in the alliance, by all means, I will welcome them," Musharraf said.
Musharraf was referring to the 23-party grand-alliance that he recently announced.
When reminded about the possible international repercussions his statements in favour of the proscribed groups could have for Pakistan, the former president said, "This is our country… we are aware of the internal situation in the country, the people in it and if they are good or bad."
"I spoke about Hafiz Saeed and I will say it proudly that LeT and JuD are both very good organisations of Pakistan," Musharraf said.
"They are not terrorists and we should tell [this to] America and the world," he added.
