Operation in tribal areas being intensified: minister

02 Mar, 2004

Interior Minister Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat has said the operation in tribal areas is widening and getting intensified rapidly and it is quite clear that space and time for terrorist elements is becoming limited.
"The operation on the Pakistani side is carried out by our officers, and they had secured our borders so far as it is possible.
On the other side of border in Afghanistan, the ISAF and Afghanistan's own forces are also engaged in their own operation", he said in an interview with BBC.
"We have told our coalition parties time and again to increase their strength on their side", he said, adding now the American government and the Coalition Forces and even the Nato have expressed their willingness to do so, and they are increasing their forces there.
Pakistan will succeed in carrying out operation against the terrorists to a logical end, and they are still hiding in the area, he said.
On a query that Osama bin Laden is still hiding in the border areas of Afghanistan or Pakistan, the minister said: "It will be mere speculation to say anything finally it is our own assessment, and it is based on our reports and the information shared by our coalition partners".
Faisal Hayat said the intelligence reports and Pakistan's own assessment show that Osama bin Laden and his chief lieutenants may be present in this area, but this is not the final word, adding: "There are many other areas in Afghanistan which they can use as their sanctuary".
"It is purely speculation that Osama bin Laden is already under the custody of the Pakistani troops or Pakistani officials", he said.
Regarding the tight security arrangements on the Pakistani airport, the minister said first, it is the month of Muharram, and we enhanced security throughout the country there is heightened security and alert every where, including airports.
"This security is necessary that no loop-hole is left so that these terrorists or these elements may be able to take some advantage", said the minister.

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