Pakistan lodges formal protest with India on violation of ceasefire across LoC

Pakistan lodges formal protest with India on violation of ceasefire across LoC

Source: Government of Pakistan | August 29, 2006

ISLAMABAD, Aug 29 (APP): Pakistan said Monday it has lodged formal protest with India over the violation of ceasefire on the Line of Control.

Replying to a question at the weekly news briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said the ceasefire was holding very well but in just two weeks there have been two violations by India.

The Spokesperson said, the violation of ceasefire across LOC is a matter of concern to Pakistan.

She said in two violations, Indian forces fired upon innocent civilians.

To another question she said President General Pervez Musharraf is likely to attend the NAM summit at Havana in Cuba next month.

"We believe the Indian Prime Minister is also attending (the summit). It is natural that when two leaders are there they will come across each other."

The spokesperson told newsmen that Rashid Rauf was arrested in Rawalpindi and he was under detention.

She said investigations focused on his links with Al-Qaeda and threats in UK and Pakistan.

She said the information obtained is being shared with the United Kingdom.

To another question she said the UK has sought his extradition and the matter is under consideration.

Replying to yet another question she said Rashid Rauf was arrested after some specific information was received from the British Government.

Ms. Tasnim Aslam told another questioner, "the UK government has completed the process for declaring the BLA a terrorist organization."

About visit to General Abizaid to Pakistan she said it is part of his periodic consultations with our military authorities.

To a question about the recent Tripartite Commission meeting, the Foreign Office spokesperson referred to the joint statement issued after meeting which said, "the participants discussed and agreed to a proposal to conduct coordinated petrol by Afghan National Army, Pakistan Army, Coalition forces and NATO forces based in Afghanistan on their respective sides of the border, simultaneously.

To a question she said death of Mr. Bugti was internal matter of Pakistan and we do not expect any foreign government to issue statement on his death.

Responding to a question she said Pakistan condemns target killings by Israel in Palestine as these would feed the cycle of violence.

To a question, she said, the United Kingdom has sought the extradition of Rashid Rauf and "the matter is under consideration."

The Foreign Office Spokesperson told the newsmen that Rashid Rauf was arrested in Rawalpindi and, adding, "this should put an end to all speculations."

She said, presently Rashid Rauf is under detention and "We are investing his terrorist activities in three areas including his link with Al-Qaida, threat projected to UK and threat projected in Pakistan."

"The information being obtained from the investigation is being shared with the United Kingdom through appropriate channels.", she maintained.

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