Federal Interior Minster Rehman Malik has said that the arrival of US marines has nothing to do with the expansion of US embassy building in Islamabad. Talking to journalists on Wednesday, he said the US embassy has the same strength of employees, however, some US officials do visit capital on way to Afghanistan as US is fighting a war on terror there, but they are mostly civilian officials.
He said the US embassy applied for expansion of its premises aimed at constructing extra houses and playgrounds while Capital Development Authority (CDA) after examining their request gave the required land under the rules after recovering the cost of land.
Regarding hiring of houses by foreigners, he said there is a set procedure for foreigners to hire houses in Pakistan. Strict action will be taken if any violation is brought to light, he added.
On reports of establishment of office of US agency BlackWater in Peshawar and its planning to conduct operations, Malik said that the US goods go to Kabul via Pakistan and the government charges on these goods under an agreement, hence the US authorities have the right to hire agencies to protect their cargo, which is the part of the agreement.
Commenting on confirmation by Taliban about death of Baithullah Mehsud, he said that the network of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has been dismantled and the Taliban should lay down arms. "The game of Taliban is over following the confirmation of Mehsud's death. Now they are badly demoralised and are on the run. Their network in Swat, Bajaur, Mohmand and South Waziristan has been destroyed", he added.
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