The Hindu : Pakistan all set for military operation on Afghan border

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Feb 22, 2004

International

International

Pakistan all set for military operation on Afghan border

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, FEB. 21. Pakistan is all set to launch a major military operation in the tribal region of South Waziristan bordering Afghanistan in a bid to capture remnants of Al-Qaeda and Taliban. Washington suspects that a section of Al-Qaeda including Osama Bin Laden could be hiding either on Afghanistan or Pakistan side of the tribal areas.

The operation is seen as simultaneous and complimentary to similar mission by the American troops on the border of Afghanistan. In view of the prevailing anti-American sentiments several functionaries in Pakistan Government in recent days have been at pains to emphasise that there was no question of either joint operations or allowing U.S. troops from its soil.

The latest operation is the second major offensive by Pakistan army in recent months and comes days after the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, acknowledged for the first time that some elements from Afghanistan have sneaked across into Pakistani territory and are indulging in terrorist activities inside Afghanistan.

Under pressure from the U.S. to effectively seal its Afghanistan border,

Pakistan has deployed over 70,000 troops. Of course it is conceded that given the treacherous nature of the terrain, it is impossible for any military to seal the border.

For the first time in over 100 years Pakistan has deployed para-military and military forces in the fiercely independent tribal areas.

There have been repeated efforts by Government to persuade the tribal chiefs not to allow fugitives to take shelter in their area.

Addressing a gathering of clergy here a few days ago Gen. Musharraf even went to the extent of saying that the militants who surrender would not be handed over to a foreign country. He asked people in Pakistan to see dangers of allowing their soil to be used for terrorist activities. Obviously his plea has had a limited impact.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News Update

Stories in this Section

Iranian polls: Conservatives establish lead

U.S. court broadens anti-terrorism review

Russia builds super-weapon

Pakistan all set for military operation on Afghan border

We will never roll back n-programme: Musharraf

Awami League plans fresh agitation

Nuclear deterrent force is indigenous: North Korea

Berlusconi criticises proposals of `Big Three'

`India-Russia-China triangle has good prospects'

White powder in Indian passport found harmless

India, Pakistan on the right path: Powell