Pak Tribune : Grand Jirga decision to move ICJ on Akbar Bugti killing, undemocratic, unconstitutional: Sherpao

Grand Jirga decision to move ICJ on Akbar Bugti killing, undemocratic, unconstitutional: Sherpao

September 24, 2006

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao has said the decision taken by grand Baloch Jirga to move Akbar Bugti killing matter to International Court of Justice (ICJ) is undemocratic and unconstitutional.

"The decision taken by Grand Baloch Jirga which was held for moving ICJ in connection with Akbar Bugti killing will be undemocratic and unconstitutional. Law and constitution are in place in Pakistan and these can not be bypassed. Such decision has no legal standing", he said this while talking to a private T.V channel here Saturday.

Pakistan and Britain have agreed on formation of joint working group to make the intelligence sharing process more effective, he told. An intelligence sharing form has been set up with Britain on the pattern of joint working group formed with US government two years back in this respect, he added.

He went on to say that Pakistan and UK interior ministries officials would hold talks on the matters related to anti-terrorism moves, capacity building, migration and human trafficking.

Sherpao told British experts would impart training to Pakistani officials in the use of highly sensitive equipment. It is our policy that any accord with a foreign country is got approved from cabinet before it is signed. This agreement would now be sent to cabinet for approval. It would be signed by both the countries after it is okayed by cabinet.

He indicated no more information could be provided to media in plane plot case. However, UK investigation agencies have found certain important evidences. The British authorities have again taken up with Pakistan authorities the matter of handing over of Rashid Rauf to them. British Home Secretary had asked him that Rashid Rauf be handed over to them.

He informed that investigations against Rashid Rauf were underway in Pakistan and the legal method in place in connection with handing over of accused to foreign countries is being implemented. It will however take some time and Rashid Rauf will be handed over to British authorities later.

He told that information sharing process between Pakistan and India takes place through Interpol. If red notices or warrants are issued of any criminal and he is present in Pakistan, the government will extend full cooperation in his arrest.

He underscored that the situation has returned to normalcy in Waziristan after the peace deal has been struck.