Pakistan Link : Security has improved after Bugti’s death, says Sherpao

Security has improved after Bugti’s death, says Sherpao

October 10, 2006

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao said on Monday there had been a decrease in violence and armed resistance in Balochistan since the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti.

Talking to journalists at an iftar dinner he hosted, Sherpao said the situation in Balochistan was normalising as security forces had succeeded in restoring peace in several areas that were previously in the grip of violence. He said that speculation that Bugti’s death would worsen security in Balochistan had proved wrong, but the government still needed more time to take full control of the situation.

Sherpao said a new security plan for the federal capital had been approved in the wake of recovery of missiles from sensitive locations. The plan includes securing all entry and exit points of Islamabad and joint patrolling of police and Rangers in areas surrounding the entry points, he said, adding that Rangers would not be deployed in the city. He said that Margalla Hills would remain open to the public but additional forces would be deployed at various locations for security.

Sherpao said the missiles found in Islamabad were Russian-made and brought from Afghanistan. He said the investigation team had found important clues, but these could not be shared with the media yet. He added that an operation was launched to search for more missiles, if any, in other parts of the city.

Asked about the chances of British national Rashid Rauf’s extradition to Britain, Sherpao said that there is no treaty between Pakistan and the United Kingdom to exchange suspects. However, the minister said a framework was being finalised to allow both countries to extradite each other’s suspects. Sherpao rejected Afghanistan’s allegations that Pakistan was supporting the Taliban, saying that the Afghan situation was a result of infighting among the warlords. staff report

Courtesy DailyTimes.com.pk