Profile of a General

Pakistan at the beginning of the millennium

Profile of a General An exclusive profile of General Musharraf, a military leader who took control of Pakistan at the beginning of the millennium. This report explores the general's rise to power, the nuclearisation of Pakistan, the country's conflict in Kashmir, and the government's links to Al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden.
"The people were seeing darkness all around. We have now shown them light. We are seeing light." These are the words of Pakistan's new de-facto leader General Pervez Musharraf, a military leader who led a coup against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Now in prison, the former Prime Minister's family live in fear of what's to come: "He says that he's not vindictive - what is this? This is all his personal vendetta against Nawaz Sharif - nothing else."

Musharraf has taken control at a fragile time in Pakistan's history. The previous administration were keen to bolster the country's nuclear credentials, and now nuclear-inspired statues line the cities, a concern for many. The country's army has also changed dramatically, with the force experiencing a sharp rise in Islamic fundamentalism. Now the army train for jihad - or holy war - against India, with the predominantly Muslim province of Kashmir still remaining a battleground between the two nations. Yet the growth of the Islamic Terrorist group Mujahadeen, which has links to Osama Bin Laden, remains the most alarming concern for the international community. The US are demanding that the group be banned, but they continue to raise money outside a prominent mosque, and Musharraf denies accusations that the group is bankrolled by the Pakistani government. A important report documenting pre-9/11 Pakistan and the growth of terrorist organisations within its borders.

Produced by ABC Australia
FULL SYNOPSIS

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