'Terror groups gaining public support in Pak'

With Mujahedeen groups gaining more "public support and sympathy" in Pakistan, extremism is on the rise in parts of the country, former president Pervez Musharraf has admitted.

"Extremism is rising in certain pockets Paksitani society because of religious militancy on both sides of Pakistan -- east and west," the Daily Times quoted Musharraf, as saying at a public lecture in Lagos, Nigeria on Friday.

"There is Mujahedeen activity in Kashmir and it has risen, and therefore all the Mujahedeen groups in Pakistan have gotten more activated. All are gaining in public support and public sympathy in Pakistan," he added.

Noting that it was becoming increasingly difficult to control the menace of extremism, Musharraf said that the solution lies with India and Pakistan.

The All Pakistan Muslim League leader said that to bring peace in the region, "we must resolve the Kashmir dispute, because that lies at the core of terrorism and extremism within Pakistan."

Musharraf, who spoke on democracy, security and political stability, said that democracy could not be based on the one-size fits-all concept.

"Democracy can't have a standard format. It has to be tailored to the local environment," the former military ruler said.