Only Pakistan will take counter-terrorism steps on its territory: Foreign Office

In what appeared to be a firm rejoinder to the West, and particularly to the United States, the Pakistan Foreign Office on Monday said it would not allow any attack by the United States on its tribal areas in a hunt for the Al Qaeda, saying any counter-terrorism measure will be taken by its own security forces.

Islamabad, July 23 : In what appeared to be a firm rejoinder to the West, and particularly to the United States, the Pakistan Foreign Office on Monday said it would not allow any attack by the United States on its tribal areas in a hunt for the Al Qaeda, saying any counter-terrorism measure will be taken by its own security forces.

"We have stated in the clearest terms that any attack inside our territory would be unacceptable," Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam told reporters at her weekly news briefing.

Aslam was responding to statements by the US National Intelligence Estimate, claiming presence of Al-Qaeda safe haven in Pakistan's tribal belt along the border with Afghanistan and the possibility of US strikes in these areas.

The spokesperson said like any other country, Pakistan remained deeply concerned over the possibility of Al-Qaeda or any other terrorist entity establishing a sanctuary or regrouping inside its territory.

"We are committed and we will take firm action on the basis of information gathered by us through our own means or concrete and actionable intelligence shared with us," the spokesperson categorically stated.

The spokesperson said the government and security forces were determined not to permit such a development as these terrorists threatened Pakistan, attacked security forces, killed innocent civilians and targeted the leadership.

"We are therefore, combating terrorism in our own interest. We do not want our efforts to be undermined by any ill-conceived action from any quarter that is inconsistent with the principles of international law."

Aslam was quoted by The News as saying that any such action would be "irresponsible and dangerous".

The spokesperson said Pakistan and the United States are partners in an international campaign against terrorism and it would be counterproductive to create an impression of any differences.

"It is important to focus on effective cooperation and coordination rather than talk of actions that would further complicate the ongoing efforts to fight Al-Qaeda and other terrorist elements."

Terming as "helpful" the peace-deal with tribal elders in North Waziristan, the spokesperson said the government would like to continue even if it was just twenty percent effective.

"We are the best judge how to deal with it. We decide it on the basis of comprehensive strategy which includes political and administrative developments and military action where necessary."

The spokesperson condoled the death of Afghanistan's former King Zahir Shah and said he was a prominent figure of the subcontinent.

Commenting on the US-India nuclear deal, she said that New Delhi's nuclear capability could be enhanced by it, and called for the transfer of civilian nuclear technology to be non-discriminatory.

ANI