Tributes paid to police victims of suicide attack: Rehman terms US drone attacks counter-productive

Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik has termed the US drone attacks on Pakistan soil as counter-productive, and a dent in war against terrorism, and called on US administration to provide drone planes and technology to Pakistan so that effective action may be taken against terrorists.
"In spite of killing of Baitullah Mehsud in drone attack, Pakistan is against US drone attacks inside Pakistan, as it is not serving the immediate cause to eliminate terrorism", Rehman said while talking to reporters after laying wreaths on the monument constructed to commemorate the 20 officials of Islamabad and Punjab Police in a suicide bomb explosion at Melody Chowk on July 6, 2008 on first anniversary of Lal Masjid military operation.
"The Government has, time and again, denounced the US drone attacks inside Pakistan territory despite a top militant leader was killed in one of these attacks", he said. The Interior Minister said that preparations were being finalised to install explosive detectors and scanners in the capital to block entry of arms and explosives completely. He said that a team of experts has already examined the quality of such scanners.
Regarding confirmation of death of Baitullah Mehsud, he said that ground realities were abundant proofs and intelligence reports that Baitullah Mehsud has been killed, and if any evidence is found in this connection, it would be presented before the nation forthwith. "If he is alive, Taliban should at least issue any audio with his voice, or a video. New Taliban spokesman Azam Tariq also confirmed the death of Mehsud", he added.
Rehman said that the government "is close" to collect material evidence of the death of Mehsud. "The evidence may be footage or DNA test as mostly work on collecting such evidences has been completed and we will inform the nation about this soon," he added.
He warned the terrorists to give up arms, and live a peaceful life, saying that the government would not enter into dialogue with any person having arms in his hand, and would use full force to crush such elements. "On the eve of Independence Day of Pakistan my message for these terrorists is: 'let's start a new day; surrender your arms; come to political or law enforcement authorities; and say goodbye to terrorism' ", he added.
The Minister said that Pakistan and Afghanistan should work jointly against terrorism, while the matter of border counter-management is being discussed with their officials, which will help stopping terrorism. "Afghanistan has been given a list of terrorists working on anti-Pakistan agenda; the country has assured us of crackdown on these people", he said.
The Minister paid glowing tributes to officials of police and other law enforcement agencies who sacrificed their lives to protect the lives of other countrymen. "Nation will remember their sacrifice for ever as they are heroes", he added.
He said that the government has restored peace in the country due to sacrifices of these law enforcement agencies' personnel. He said the law and order situation would further improve in the coming days. Rehman said that the country's law enforcement agencies, including Army, are fully alive to face internal and external threats. He said that law enforcement agencies have demonstrated their courage in Swat, South Waziristan, and everywhere in the country where terrorists tried to destabilise the country.
He announced giving residential plots to the families of those six policemen of Islamabad Capital Territory who lost their lives in Melody blast. He added that Punjab police would also be asked to give plots to kins of their personnel. He said awards would be announced for those policemen who played a role in the war on terror, besides crime control.