http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=38076
Indian Consulates in Afghanistan becoming terrorist bases: Faisal
Saturday September 13, 2003 (1542 PST)
ISLAMABAD, September 14 (Online): Federal Interior Minister Makhdoom
Faisal Saleh Hayat Saturday said that Indian Consulates in Afghanistan
were involved in anti-Pakistan activities and are working as bases for
"RAW" to carry out terrorist acts in the country.
Federal government would continue its operation in all four provinces
against terrorist and extremist elements, he said while talking to
reporters in his office.
The presence of Osama bin Laden near Pak-Afghan border could not be
ruled out. In this connection a brother of a provincial minister has
been arrested in Balochistan for his alleged links with Taliban, he
added.
In reply to a question interior minister said that federal government
would continue its operation against terrorism and extremism in all
four province including NWFP.
He hoped that provincial governments would fully cooperate with the
federal government in this regard.
Any person having links with al-Qaeda or extremist elements would face
action, no matter how influential he is, as no person is above the law,
he maintained.
Interior Minister said the Indian Consulates in Kandahar, Hirat and
Jalalabad were involved in non-diplomatic and anti-Pakistan activities.
"We have made contact with Afghan government besides taking friendly
countries into confidence to close down these anti-Pakistan Indian
bases in Afghanistan," he said.
In reply to a question he said Osama bin Laden and his companions were
a threat for humanity and society. Islam condemns terrorism in its all
forms and manifestations, he added.
He said Pakistan government would not bow before al-Qaeda threats
including Osama and Aiman-al-Zawahri. These elements could not stop
Pakistan from its fight against international terrorism, he said.
To another question he said both Pakistan and Sri-Lanka were fighting
against terrorism and extremism for the last many decade. The
environment of security and peace in the region has been strengthened
due to mutual cooperation and efforts in this regard.
When asked about the presence of Osama bin Laden, federal interior
minister said that Osama's presence in the area near Pak-Afghan border
could not be ruled out. Pakistan, Afghanistan and allied troops would
have to take joint action to capture Osama bin Laden as there is a need
of huge resources and Pakistan can't do this alone, he added.
He said the presence of Osama bin Laden, in the pretext of unstable
situation in Afghanistan, could not be ruled out. He said there is no
base of al-Qaeda in Pakistan and government would pursue al-Qaeda
elements at every place.
He said Pakistan has a 2500-kilometer long border with Afghanistan and
there is lack of regular army in Afghanistan.
"We can't deploy our forces at each and every corner of the border
however Pakistan has deployed its troops at all flash points on border,
where al-Qaeda elements could be hidden," he informed.
He said Pakistan government had carried out comprehensive operation in
various tribal areas near Pak-Afghan border and this exercise has been
continuing from last one and half year.
A number of al-Qaeda elements have been arrested and they provide very
important information during the investigation.
He said the internal situation in Afghanistan was not stable. He
however, said Pakistan wants to see Karzai government as stable and
strong and we are fully cooperating with Afghan government in this
regard.
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