JUNE 3, 2002
Pakistan a haven for Taleban, Al-Qaeda forces: Report
WASHINGTON -- Pakistan appears to be sheltering some Taleban and Al-Qaeda forces on its territory while allowing US forces to hunt others down, Newsweek magazine said in a report released on Sunday.
The magazine, in its issue due out on Monday, said top Taleban leaders recently attended the funeral of a former anti-Soviet guerilla fighter under the watchful eye of a Pakistani intelligence officer, who allowed them to leave unstopped.
Among them was the Taleban's deputy foreign minister, Abdul Rahman Zaid and a top Defence Ministry official, General Jalil Yousafzai, Newsweek said.
The magazine said other Taleban and Al-Qaeda leaders were living comfortably in cities such as Quetta and Peshawar.
Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden also is believed to be hiding inside Pakistan.
'Osama is a true patriot, and despite their all-out efforts, the Americans are unable to catch him and never will be able to,' ex-Taleban Defence official Mualvi Agha Jan told Newsweek.
The weekly quoted US officials as saying Pakistan -- a key US ally in the war on terror -- is still hunting down key Al-Qaeda leaders.
'The number of US personnel in Pakistan -- CIA, FBI and special forces -- would astound you,' a senior Pakistani diplomat told Newsweek, speaking on condition of anonymity.
However, an administration official told the magazine US operations in the country remain constricted, especially as tensions rise with India over Kashmir. --AFP
straitstimes.asia1.com.sg |
