Only Pak forces to conduct operation against militants

President Pervez Musharraf has said that only Pakistani forces would conduct operations against suspected militant hideouts in Pakistans tribal areas bordering Afghanistan.

Islamabad, Aug 31 : President Pervez Musharraf has said that only Pakistani forces would conduct operations against suspected militant hideouts in Pakistan's tribal areas bordering Afghanistan.

Speaking to a delegation led by the Commander of the Special Operations Command Admiral Eric T Olson, and the US Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W Patterson, here, Musharraf expressed concern at statements in the US media that conveyed an impression that NATO forces had permission to operate inside Pakistani territory.

"Musharraf re-emphasised that all operations that are required to be undertaken in Pakistani territory will be executed by the Pakistani forces," said a statement issued at the end of the meeting.

Admiral Olson, who had seen exercises by Pakistani Special Services Group commandos, told Musharraf that he was impressed by their professionalism.

He also assured Musharraf of intelligence and operational coordination between the Pakistan Army and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

ANI