Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik has reiterated his stance that the Blackwater or any other US security agency was not present in Pakistan. "I state again with full responsibility and as per the available record that there is no Blackwater in the country.
It is a hype being created," said Mailk while talking to media after the ceremony to hand over two state-of-the-art scanners, mobile and static, imported from China to the Islamabad Police, here on Saturday. Ambassador of China to Pakistan Luo Zhao Hui, Inspector General of Police Syed Kaleem Imam, Deputy Inspector General of Police Bin Yameen, SSP Islamabad Tahir Alam Khan and several other officials from the Ministry of Interior and Islamabad police were present on the occasion.
Malik said that the media carried statement of the US Defence Secretary Robert Gates out of context and in a wrong way. "Robert Gates has not said that Blackwater or Dyne Corps are working in Pakistan but he indicated that the US Defence Department has no contract with Blackwater to work in Pakistan," he added.
He said that to date there has been no official application for visas from the officials of the said companies. He also challenged those claiming its presence to prove it through documents. To a question, he said that Ajmal Qasab is being tried in Indian Court for last one year. "We respect their courts and they must respect ours," he said while referring to the Indian allegations on Hafiz Saeed.
He urges India to come on table for discussion at anywhere it wants as the conflicts can only be settled through the negotiations. Malik said that India was involved in the tragic incident of Samjotha Express. There are valid evidences of Indian involvement in this incident as an Indian official Hemant Kurkary tasked with investigation was also killed mysteriously. Malik further informed the media that recently a FC man was arrested who was being used by the terrorist for their terrorist activities in the country.
"He is under investigation and we are hopeful that he will disclose the name of his partners facilitating the terrorists", he added. He asked the US government to change the procedure of screening Muslim women as it is derogatory to them. "I can give undertaking that there is no extra-judicial killing in Swat. Nabbed terrorists are being tried according to law," he maintained.
Earlier, while handing over the state of the art equipment's to the Islamabad Police he said that it was a $3 million project divided in to two phases. These equipment's will detect any explosive laden vehicles in case of any attempt to infiltrate into the city. "Pakistan will pay the amount in 20 years and if would not be able to do it in a said period then it would be extended for further five years," he added.
During the first phase, the minister said these scanners would be installed in Islamabad and Rawalpindi too while provincial Capitals would get it soon for further beefing up the security arrangements. Minister for Interior said the government is fully cognisance of the security requirements of the law enforcement agencies, adding that their capacity building would be ensured through providing latest security gadgets in near future.
He also hinted at launching a system for logging all the vehicles through installing small chips in number plate and to monitor all the movements with a main command and control system. "This system would be introduced in Islamabad, Peshawar within next six months and later to be extended to Karachi and Quetta," he maintained.
Pakistan wants working relationship with Afghanistan and a roadmap has been drafted with focus on sharing information and promoting relations to counter this challenge of terrorism. "We are fighting for the world not for ourselves," he said and urged for respect to Pakistanis and reconsidering the decision of screening of Pakistani people. Friendship comes from messages, he said and hoped his words would be taken positively.
Malik said that more help would also come from China and other countries for the capacity building of law enforcement agencies. The minister appreciated Islamabad police for its efforts in ensuring peace in the city. He said that a terrorist had been arrested from Hangu which was the handler of terrorist's attacks near Naval Complex and at the office of World Food Programme.
Chinese Ambassador on the occasion said these scanners are very much effective. "Pakistani Army has the will but lack in capability, therefore these equipment would help them to fight against terrorism," he added. IGP Syed Kaleem Imam said that the technology gadgets are useful to control crime and this new facility would improve the efficiency of Islamabad police.
The IGP said the year 2009 was very challenging for Islamabad police but due to hard work and commitment, crime rate declined and 82 terrorists including would be suicide bomber were arrested.
Minister for Interior distributed honorary shields and prizes among the officers and jawans of Islamabad police for their gallantry against criminals, terrorists and controlling car theft incidents. Those awarded on the occasion include Director Bomb Disposable Squad Major Tabassum, SP City Sajid Kiyani, DSP CID Muhammad Ehsan, ASP Captain Malik Liaqat Ali (Retd), Inspectors Zafar Iqbal, Sub-Inspectors Zafar and ASIs Nadir Ali, Asghar, Aafaq Ahmed and Haji Zafar Iqbal.
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