Musharraf shows grave concern over escalatory situation in FATA
16 July, 2007
ISLAMABAD: President General Pervez Musharraf on Sunday showed grave concerns over escalatory situation in federally administrated Tribal areas (FATA) and North West province of Pakistan (NWFP) here on Sunday. According to reliable sources of Online, President has called a meeting of high officials today (Monday) to discuss the volcanic situation of violence-ridden areas of Fata and NWFP. It has been learnt, earlier, security agencies had conveyed federal government about possible reactions of local Taliban in the aftermath of Lal Masjid, Operation in Afghanistan adjacent border areas thus recommended for some immediate actions to counter imminent threat. Though, incumbent government had chalked out a strategy and recommended by President to curb intact threats but delayed its implementation due to certain unknown reasons. There are strong chances about the approval of significant steps including operation against miscreants in Swat and Dir whilst upgradation of security forces in tribal areas in today's (Monday) meeting, source has claimed. Lal Masjid operation reflects Pakistan's determination to deal with extremism: Munir Akram NEW YORK: Pakistan's ambassador to the United Nations, Munir Akram said that after the action against the Lal Masjid, their should be no doubt about the determination of President Musharraf and the government of Pakistan to deal with extremism and terrorism. Talking to an American TV, Pakistan's ambassador said that their can be no doubt, despite all the doubts that have been cast by the non objective reporting. Answering a question, the Pakistan's ambassador said that Islamic extremism has not grown during President Musharraf's term of office. It has its origins in the anti Soviet war in Afghanistan which dates back at least 25 years. The use of jihadi's against the Soviets is the origin of the problem of extremism, he added. Answering a question regarding CIA's report that Al-Qaeda has regrouped in Pakistan, Munir Akram said that estimate has to be balanced from the statement of US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Richard Boucher who said if Pakistan was not fighting terrorism there is no way that you could win in Afghanistan. He said that if there is any evidence of any presence of Al-Qaeda in Pakistan, we shall go for it and we shall eliminate it. We have captured 500 Al-Qaeda , 1500 Taleban including the top leadership so I think we are dealing with the problem and President Musharraf has underlined this, added by Munir Akram. Pakistan's ambassador to the UN said that Pakistan has already 85,000 soldiers double the number of coalition forces in Afghanistan, in the Frontier regions and they are operating there and attacks are being carried by terrorist against them. Answering a question regarding the presence of Osama Bin Laden, Munir Akram said that if we knew where he was we would have got him, if anybody else knows where he is they should let us know, we will get him, he added.
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