PR. No.187/2007

Date: 23/07/2007

REACTION TO US STATEMENTS

The statements and comments claiming presence of Al-Qaeda safe haven in Pakistan 's tribal areas and the possibility of US striking targets in these areas continue to be made by US officials and commentators especially following the release of National Intelligence Estimate.

We have stated in the clearest terms that any attack inside our territory would be unacceptable. Like any other country, we remain deeply concerned over the possibility of Al-Qaeda or any other terrorist entity establishing a sanctuary or regrouping or regenerating inside our territory. Our government and our security forces are determined not to permit such a development. These terrorists have threatened Pakistan , attacked our security forces, killed innocent civilians and targeted our 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 and would be deeply resented in the tribal areas and generally in Pakistan . Such action, as we have already stated, will be irresponsible and dangerous.

Pakistan and the United States are partners in the international campaign against terrorism. It would be counterproductive to create an impression of any divergences or differences on the issue of counter-terrorism or take any step detrimental to our counter-terrorism cooperation. The basis of our cooperation is well-defined and well-understood. All counter-terrorism measures inside Pakistan will be taken by our own security forces. 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. For the success of our counter-terrorism endeavours, it is important to focus on effective cooperation and coordination rather than talk of actions that would further complicate our ongoing efforts to fight Al-Qaeda and other terrorist elements.

Islamabad

23 July 2007