Islamabad, Nov 21: Warning that the forces of religious extremism and sectarianism could "drown" the country if they went unchecked, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said this could lead to re-imposition of international sanctions and bombing of its tribal areas. Expressing serious concern over the activities of the religious extremist and sectarian groups, Musharraf told a meeting of editors of Pakistani media here last night that "this is one area which will drown us. It is senseless." Highlighting the gravity of the situation prevailing at the borders of Afghanistan where Taliban and al Qaeda are reportedly regrouping, he acknowledged that the international community has questioned his government's commitment to the war against terror. Cautioning that any "miscalculation" on the part of Pakistan could land it in trouble and bring back the era of sanctions, he said the us and allied forces could resort to aerial bombing of tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, if Pakistan hesitated to take action.
"If we do not control the tribal areas and they (US) start bombing your tribal areas, what will we do. Let us not be under any delusion," he was quoted as saying by the local daily 'The Nation' today.

Musharraf also said his own credibility was at stake. "People (US) have started suspecting I am not with them". Bureau Report