Replies

http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=73241
Two high profile Al-qaeda operatives still hiding: Security personnel

Friday August 06, 2004 (1631 PST
ISLAMABAD, August 07 (Online): The interrogation of Al-Qaeda militants arrested a few days earlier from Punjab has disclosed that two high profile Al-qaeda members including chief of its special cell are still hiding in Pakistan.

With reference to investigation of detained Al-qaeda elements, a security personal told French news agency that one of the Al-qaeda potent members still hiding in the country is Abu Faraj a Libayan national and second is Hamza who is Egypt born. The operation is underway to arrest them. US has announced head money of 5 million dollars each for these two Al-Qaeda militatns.

Terrorist leaders in country either killed or arrested: Report

Central leadership of terrorists and extremists has either been killed or arrested in the country.

This was claimed in a 17-page special report on law and order sent by interior ministry to the national assembly standing committee on internal affairs.

Giving details about the activities of the militants the report further said that several terrorists have fled from the country. Following this development the terrorists have organised separate groups and are operating independently. These terrorists in small groups are leaving their original hideouts, becoming part of local population and taking refuge there, report pointed out.

Report while highlighting the background of these groups said that extremists and terrorists have an ethnic and political background. They also include sectarian groups and the militants who took part in Afghan Jehad against USSR. These elements are not only well conversant with the know-how of the weapons but also fully trained in use of the arms.

Citing to the impact on the society due to upsurge in the terror incidents, report said that rise in terrorist acts are leaving bad impact on the society. Pressure has mounted on law enforcement agencies. Taking the lead from the drawbacks of these groups efforts are on to hunt down terrorists. Measures are being taken to trace out the training centres and the elements sponsoring terrorist outfits.

Report revealed that the terrorists choose to hit easy but high profile targets. These terrorists are of the view that west is causing harm to Islam and Pakistan is following west.

It has been disclosed in the report that the terrorists can not only attack Gwadar port but also launch more offensives in cantonments.

Referring to Wana operation, the report said that Wana was once the potent hub of Taliban militants. Terrorists were hiding there. Operation is still on against them. The high profile terrorists have been killed and the remaining have been flushed out from the area.

Making mention of the casualties of law enforcement agencies during the Wana operation the report hinted that till June, 2004 , 21 personnel were killed, four were injured and three civilians were killed and two sustained injuries in the military operation. The terrorists ranging between 60 to 70 were killed. A majority of the foreign militants were eliminated. The remaining are escaping.

Report observed that military operation and dialogue process would continue in Wana side by side. The political administration will be reactivated further in the area.

Dilating upon the measures necessary for curbing the terrorist acts in the area, the report suggested that the implementation of the special orders issued by the interior ministry to monitor the activities of banned outfits should be ensured strictly. All the books fanning sectarian hatred should be proscribed and their printers be arrested under anti terrorism act. Those who are found engaged in distributing literature outside the mosques should be arrested and proceeded against under the anti terrorism act.

Report further suggested that misuse of loudspeaker should not be allowed. Aid boxes should be removed from public places.

Report noted that the banned outfits have set up welfare trusts which are being scrutinised. The trusts being sponsored by the proscribed organisations will not be allowed to function.

It was proposed in the report that the foreign students who are living in the country illegally and are involved in fomenting sectarianism and violence should be identified and action be taken against them.

The movement of Afghans returning to their motherland should be watched carefully and checking system be tightened on arms smuggling routes.

This report which has been prepared by national crisis management cell of interior ministry in collaboration with intelligence police and law enforcement agencies will be provided to all the members of standing committee.