Interior Minister Faisal Saleh Hayat has reiterated the pledge that the extremist elements inside the country will be dealt with iron hand and that no compromise will be made on national security.
He strongly condemned the critics of the anti-terrorism drive of the government inside the country, saying such people are not serving the country's interests.
"Those who have to criticise may do that. But so far as national security is concerned there will be no compromise of any kind. No criticism will be tolerated, nor are we prepared to listen to such things", Faisal told BBC.
He said those who criticise the government's drive should at first see how much destruction those people have created in the country, against whom operation is being carried out.
"They ought to see how these people have undermined the very infrastructure of civilisation in the country. If somebody is making such criticism he is not rendering any service to Pakistan. His loyalty to Pakistan becomes doubtful," said the minister.
Answering a question regarding the recently arrested people in connection with the terrorist attacks on President Musharraf, he said: "We had very clearly said that they were extremist groups, who carried out the attacks. Our war is going on against the very elements. Many people behind the attack on President General Musharraf were arrested."
Faisal said on the identification of the arrested people some more arrests are possible in future, adding: "Nearly nine or 10 persons have been arrested."
"They belonged to various organisations. I do not confirm which organisation they belonged to," the minister said in reply to a query.
Faisal said there are possibilities that the arrested people may have links with foreign elements, adding: "Now-a-days terrorism is a world phenomenon. It is not limited only to Pakistan. Their links go to various countries".
Comments
Comments are closed for this article.