ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- The former head of Pakistani intelligence alleges the United States was involved in the coup that brought President Pervez Musharraf to power seven years ago.
Former Inter-Services Intelligence agency boss Hamid Gul made the allegations about the United States' hand in Musharraf's coup while commenting on his recently published autobiography, "In the Line of Fire," according to the Deccan Herald newspaper.
Gul asserted that in the book Musharraf remained silent about Washington's role in supporting his Oct. 12, 1999, ouster of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
"It is absolutely true that America played a role in Gen. Musharraf's take over of 1999," Gul said.
Gul further commented that the Pakistani government should stop using the ISI for political purposes, adding that he had once asked former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto to eliminate its political role when she formed a commission for intelligence reforms, but she rejected his proposal.
In comments certain to be followed closely both in Islamabad and Washington, Gul also said that Pakistan could defend itself with its nuclear weapons, the "spirit of jihad" and democracy.
"Pakistan is weak and vulnerable without democracy," he said. "Building a nation was the job of politicians only, but the military could also play a positive role from behind the curtain."
