Baloch separatists backed by foreign nations, claims Musharraf

Karachi, Apr 16(ANI): Former Pakistan president and All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) chief Pervez Musharraf has claimed Baloch separatists have foreign backing to destabilize Pakistan.

He was speaking via video at a conference titled "Problems of Balochistan", arranged by Pakistan First, a forum of retired servicemen at a local club.

Musharraf alleged that certain politicians were supporting separatists for gaining political benefits.

"The chiefs of Bugti, Marri and Mengal (tribes) are involved in the prevailing condition of Balochistan. The Balochistan Liberation Army is a terrorist organisation which is targeting non-locals in the province. The present government has failed to tackle the province's issues," The Express Tribune quoted Musharraf, as saying.

Shahzain Bugti, Talal Bugti and others have contacts with foreign elements. Not a single inch of the country would disintegrate in the presence of Pakistan Army," he added.

He claimed that 60 percent of Balochistan's population had rejected the separatists.

"The people do not know the real situation of Balochistan. Only four per cent of population of the country lives in Balochistan and 60 per cent of that population is in favour of Pakistan. Just three to four thousand people are involved in terrorism and those are supported by foreign elements," he added. (ANI)