Dozens Killed In Pak-Afghan Border Clashes

Threat of war is looming large in Bajaur Agency, tribal areas situated on Pak-Afghan as terrorists have started preparation for launching a full-scale war against the US-led coalition forces after clashes a day earlier.A group of terrorists were seen heading towards the Pak-Afghan border. According to reports dozens of people including civilians killed in the fighting that continued for the whole day on Wednesday. US gunship helicopters pounded the positions of militants in Bajaur Agency where most of the people believe that Osama bin Laden and other dreaded terrorists have been hiding.

The whole areas are in the grip of terror and fear. Newspaper reports said that The Pak–Afghan border has been completely sealed. Unidentified persons attacked Afghan army fort on Wednesday and at least 18 persons including 10 attackers were killed in retaliatory strike by Afghan army.

Eight Afghan soldiers were killed in an attack on army fort in the Afghan province Kunar near border of Bajaur Agency. Retaliatory strike by Afghan army killed at least 10 attackers and later Afghan forces and FC exchanged fire on Pak – Afghan border. The border was completely sealed after the incident.

ISPR has confirmed the incident saying one FC officer was killed and another was injured in firing between two forces on border. It said the incident happened due to misunderstanding.

It is ironic that the government of Pakistan has welcomed the announcement by Baitullah Mehsood, the Waziristan warlord accused of killing PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto to shun terror activities.

Prime Minister's Adviser on Interior Rehman Malik has said nation would soon hear good news about strengthening of peace initiatives. In first ever visit of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Headquarters, the Interior Advisor was given a detailed briefing on NADRA’s performance and new projects.

Talking to reporters on the occasion, Rehman Malik said although Baitullah Mehsood always denied having any hand in the assassination of Ms. Benazir Bhutto yet a thorough probe would be done to ascertain real perpetrators. He said efforts to restore peace in Baluchistan, FATA and other restive areas would continue and nation would soon hear good news in this regard.

Rehman Malik said withdrawal of Lal Masjid cases was out of question, however, the government wanted to abolish politically motivated cases with consensus and in national interest.

Malik said no decision has been taken to deport foreign Ulemas from the country. He welcomed the offer from Baitullah Mehsood to shun terror activities.
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