Terrorism anywhere needs to be eliminated. This was stated by US Consul General Stephen Fakan while speaking to newsmen here on Wednesday. Replying to a question about the drone attacks in Balochistan, he said it is misunderstanding. Pakistan Army was fighting a battle against Taliban in Waziristan, Fata and Malakand where Taliban have strong base and during this operation we have seen how difficult it is to dislodge them from there.
We do not want to see Taliban strong in the province. "Army was doing tremendous job in very difficult atmosphere," he said. Through the Kerry Lugar bill we want good relations with the people of Pakistan. It is a sign of friendship, which would change the history of the two countries. Five and a half billion dollars annually would be for social development and to help Pakistan become prosperous and successful nation.
Replying to a question, he said it would be unreasonable to say that Taliban do not exist in Balochistan. Even people in Pakistan government say they (Taliban) continue to move all over the country. We know Taliban exist in Pakistan but we cannot say anything about Quetta Shura. Who are they and where are they, I don't say, he added.
He said no one requested us in pushing Afghan refugees back to their country. Refugees however deserve attention. He said democracy was working in Pakistan and the press was free as is evident from the debate on the Kerry Lugar bill. He told a questioner that he did not know about acquisition of land for setting up a US University in Quetta, but zero percent of land for US consulate in Quetta.
About attacks on Nato containers, he said yet we are aware of this. However the government and the FC were working for their security. It is an attack on the social fabric of people of Pakistan in which Pakistanis are killed. Answering a question about presence of Blackwater in Pakistan, he said he would make no comment as Pakistan and the United States have said a lot. Stephen Fakan said that during his visit to Balochistan he would meet people. He said he fully realises people's problems such as problems of electricity and shortage of sugar. He would ask his government to extend help to people.
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