Interior Ministry spokesman Javed Iqbal Cheema has said that the law enforcement agencies have been receiving threats of suicide attacks from time to time, which are being foiled by security agencies' proactive measures.
He said this while responding to questions at his weekly press briefing on law and order situation here on Tuesday. However, he sought co-operation of the media for not sensationalising such issues, but allowing the security agencies to do their job properly.
"Yes, extremism is a serious challenge, and a concern for the government. In collaboration with the local tribes, we have taken measures to curb the mounting Talibanisation in the settled areas of NWFP," he said.
On the recent kidnapping of Chinese nationals from a health clinic in Islamabad by the Lal Masjid so called students, he said it was shocking and an unlawful act.
"They have been continuing their unlawful activities for the past several months despite utmost patience and tolerance shown by the government in a bid to keep them away from the dangerous path. The government has all options and shall take appropriate measures to ensure safety and security of the inhabitants of Islamabad," he said.
He, however, avoided "to disclose" the exact strategy when and how the government would end this drama, once for all. "As far as the information of the Interior Ministry is concerned, no brothel was operating there; rather it was a health clinic", he claimed.
He said that the government had lodged protest with the Nato Forces for violating the sanctity of Pakistan border in tribal areas. Besides, he said, the Interior Minister, who is on a four days visit to China, held discussions with his counterpart, the Chinese Minister for Public Security Zhou Yongkan in Beijing on Tuesday.
He said that both sides discussed ways and means to enhance co-operation in the fields of counter-terrorism and law enforcement, and added that China would also help in capacity building of Pakistan's law enforcement agencies by providing equipment.
He said that Pakistan has taken several steps to provide safety and security to foreigners and had established 'Foreigners Security Cell' in the Ministry of Interior.
He contradicted a report that China had handed over a list of 22 Chinese fugitives, who are allegedly hiding somewhere in Pakistan territory. Pakistan would not allow anyone to operate its terrorist network from its soil, he added.
Cheema said that Pakistan and Asean had signed a joint declaration on co-operation to combat terrorism in July 2005. Consequently, the first senior officials meeting on Trans-national crime between Asean and Pakistan was scheduled to be held in Laos on June 28, 2007. Javed Iqbal Cheema would head a four-member delegation to participate in the talks.
During the discussions, the two sides would identify areas of co-operation in the fields of counter-terrorism, law enforcement, exchange of training programs and other related areas, he added.
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