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Pakistan
Statement:2002
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Date
Incidents
January - 1 
According to Pakistani media reports, there is speculation in Islamabad that the Interior Ministry, the key Federal agency on internal security issues, had no knowledge of the arrests of two top terrorist leaders of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), and had heard of their arr
Read more...
According to Pakistani media reports, there is speculation in Islamabad that the Interior Ministry, the key Federal agency on internal security issues, had no knowledge of the arrests of two top terrorist leaders of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), and had heard of their arrest through the media. However, Interior Secretary Tasneem Noorani, while denying such reports, said the Ministry was always taken into confidence in matters pertaining to internal security. He elucidated that such reports, of the Ministry not being aware of the arrests, might have emanated because crucial decisions were not reflected in writing on the files. Noorani reportedly said he knew in advance about certain recent high profile arrests.
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January - 1 
Criticising the arrests, the Jamaat-e-Islam (JeI) said, on January 1, the crackdown on terrorists would harm the ‘freedom struggle’ in Jammu and Kashmir. "The current policy of the government has broken the hearts of freedom-loving Kashmiris," JeI spokesperson, Amirul Azeem said.
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Criticising the arrests, the Jamaat-e-Islam (JeI) said, on January 1, the crackdown on terrorists would harm the ‘freedom struggle’ in Jammu and Kashmir. "The current policy of the government has broken the hearts of freedom-loving Kashmiris," JeI spokesperson, Amirul Azeem said.
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January - 1 
Denying that Pakistan was supporting any of the terrorist outfits active in India’s Jammu and Kashmir, he claimed that Pakistan only supported the people of Kashmir who were struggling for their right to self-determination as promised by the international community. "This support will continue at th
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Denying that Pakistan was supporting any of the terrorist outfits active in India’s Jammu and Kashmir, he claimed that Pakistan only supported the people of Kashmir who were struggling for their right to self-determination as promised by the international community. "This support will continue at the moral, political and diplomatic level," he said, responding to a question whether the crackdown against the leaders of terrorist outfits meant withdrawal of Pakistan’s support to the people of Kashmir. He added that arrests made in Pakistan were under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) and had nothing to do with the Indian allegations. "It is our internal matter and action is being taken against those who are disturbing peace in Pakistan", he pointed out.
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January - 1 
Foreign Office spokesperson Aziz Ahmed Khan said, in Islamabad, on January 1, during a daily briefing, "We have received a list of 20 alleged fugitives from India without any evidence of their involvement in terrorist activities." The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi was, on January 1, handed o
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Foreign Office spokesperson Aziz Ahmed Khan said, in Islamabad, on January 1, during a daily briefing, "We have received a list of 20 alleged fugitives from India without any evidence of their involvement in terrorist activities." The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi was, on January 1, handed over a list of 20 "fugitives of law" reportedly residing in Pakistan with the request that they be apprehended and handed over to India. He said, if India provided concrete evidence action under the law of the country would be taken against those involved in the terrorist attack, provided they were residing in Pakistan.
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January - 1 
In continuing crackdown on terrorist outfits, Punjab police on January 1 arrested 100 more terrorists of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) from Lahore and other cities in southern Punjab. "Police and security forces in a crackdown on Lashkar-i-Taiba and Jaish-i-Mohammad have picke
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In continuing crackdown on terrorist outfits, Punjab police on January 1 arrested 100 more terrorists of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) from Lahore and other cities in southern Punjab. "Police and security forces in a crackdown on Lashkar-i-Taiba and Jaish-i-Mohammad have picked up around 100 members and leaders of both the parties," said LeT spokesperson Yahya Mujahid. Criticising the crackdown, he said, "We are against all acts of terrorism and we have repeatedly said we are not involved in the December 13 attack on the Indian parliament." Mujahid said the LeT had already halted its activities in Pakistan and shifted its offices to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). "There is no Lashkar setup now in Pakistan," he declared.
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January - 1 
Military regime spokesperson Maj. Gen. Rashid Qureshi said Pakistan’s moral and diplomatic support was not restricted to one group or the other. "It is the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir whom we are supporting", he said. Stating that India had not provided any proof with the list of 20 persons wh
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Military regime spokesperson Maj. Gen. Rashid Qureshi said Pakistan’s moral and diplomatic support was not restricted to one group or the other. "It is the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir whom we are supporting", he said. Stating that India had not provided any proof with the list of 20 persons whose arrest it had demanded, he added, "It would be difficult even to consider any action against these 20 persons if there is no proof."
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January - 1 
News reports from Pakistan, on January 1, said Pakistan Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar, in an interview to Frontline (an Indian fortnightly) said "[there] are] … some organisations which are extremist and even terrorist in nature," in Pakistan. Sattar said these included the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), t
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News reports from Pakistan, on January 1, said Pakistan Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar, in an interview to Frontline (an Indian fortnightly) said "[there] are] … some organisations which are extremist and even terrorist in nature," in Pakistan. Sattar said these included the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM). Saying that Pakistan had taken various concrete steps in the domestic context to "…deal with this kind of extremism and terrorism", he added "…pursuing a policy of containing and eliminating these tendencies in the country is bound to take some time". Elaborating on the problem of extremism and terrorism, Sattar said "…[there] has been a domestic phenomenon of increasing sectarian militancy, of increasing militancy also as a consequence of a proliferation of weapons in Pakistan following the decade of the 1980’s". Abdus Sattar said, while Islamabad was willing to "cooperate fully" with New Delhi in the efforts for "…the prevention and eradication of terrorism…. We need evidence against individuals who, according to Government of India, are implicated in the reprehensible attack on Indian Parliament. We cannot just act because India makes a demand". Extending cautious support to an extradition treaty between the two countries, the Minister said it was a desirable goal. However, he said the pitfalls in having such a treaty must also be considered, specifying the differences between the two countries with regard to the definition of the territories of the two countries.
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January - 1 
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar said on January 1 in Kathmandu, Nepal, that it would consider the extradition of wanted persons under the SAARC Anti-Terrorism Convention if India met with legal obligations, such as the indictment of the people demanded. "We can consider the extradition of t
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Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar said on January 1 in Kathmandu, Nepal, that it would consider the extradition of wanted persons under the SAARC Anti-Terrorism Convention if India met with legal obligations, such as the indictment of the people demanded. "We can consider the extradition of these persons only after India fulfils all the legal requirements", he said. Under the SAARC Convention, India can invoke the right of extradition after completing the proper procedure and providing the evidence. ‘It’s a legal issue not a political one,’ Sattar said while answering a question about the list of wanted persons given by India this week to Pakistan. "Extradition is a legal concept," Sattar said, adding that there was no bilateral extradition agreement between India and Pakistan.
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January - 2 
Foreign Office spokesperson Aziz Khan said, on the same day, in Islamabad, evidence of involvement in terrorist activities was necessary for extraditing any person. He said, under the SAARC Convention on Terrorism, extradition was subject to the law of the requested country. He claimed that the list
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Foreign Office spokesperson Aziz Khan said, on the same day, in Islamabad, evidence of involvement in terrorist activities was necessary for extraditing any person. He said, under the SAARC Convention on Terrorism, extradition was subject to the law of the requested country. He claimed that the list of 20 persons provided by India does not contain any evidence.
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January - 2 
Information Secretary Anwar Mehmood said action against terrorists and some organisations as well as the deweaponisation drive were initiated much before the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the USA.
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Information Secretary Anwar Mehmood said action against terrorists and some organisations as well as the deweaponisation drive were initiated much before the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the USA.
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January - 2 
Pakistan Information Secretary Anwar Mehmood said in an interview to the BBC that the arrests of the chiefs of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) were not made under pressure. "There does not arise any question of pressure. Pakistan itself has been taking action on its own ag
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Pakistan Information Secretary Anwar Mehmood said in an interview to the BBC that the arrests of the chiefs of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) were not made under pressure. "There does not arise any question of pressure. Pakistan itself has been taking action on its own against terrorism. It has been dealing with terrorism within the country and has also been participating in the fight against terrorists outside the country with the international coalition," Anwar said. He also pointed that there was no change in Pakistan’s Kashmir policy.
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January - 2 
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf said, in Islamabad, on January 2, that the question of handing over anybody to India did not arise. "If there is any allegation against any of the individuals, evidence should be provided to us. The government of Pakistan will examine the evidence and act against
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Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf said, in Islamabad, on January 2, that the question of handing over anybody to India did not arise. "If there is any allegation against any of the individuals, evidence should be provided to us. The government of Pakistan will examine the evidence and act against those elements under the law of the land," Gen. Musharraf said. This was stated at the joint meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) and Federal Cabinet, reports said.
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January - 4 
Addressing the protestors, JI provincial chief Muhammad Ibrahim alleged that President Pervez Musharraf was following the American agenda and had caused a security risk to the country. Therefore, the President should be unseated, he said. He also contended that the regime has arrested genuine and re
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Addressing the protestors, JI provincial chief Muhammad Ibrahim alleged that President Pervez Musharraf was following the American agenda and had caused a security risk to the country. Therefore, the President should be unseated, he said. He also contended that the regime has arrested genuine and real leaders behind bars and struck deals to allow corrupt politicians to return to the country. The provincial chief demanded release of his leader Qazi Hussain Ahmad, and Jamat-Ulema-I-Islami (Fazlur Rehman) faction chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, as well as other religious leaders.
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January - 5 
Media reports from Pakistan said on January 5 that intelligence officials of the interim government in Afghanistan were negotiating with Taliban commanders over the surrender of Taliban chief Mullah Omar. Nasratullah Nasrat, an intelligence official in Kandahar, said consultations were on in Helmand
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Media reports from Pakistan said on January 5 that intelligence officials of the interim government in Afghanistan were negotiating with Taliban commanders over the surrender of Taliban chief Mullah Omar. Nasratullah Nasrat, an intelligence official in Kandahar, said consultations were on in Helmand province and if they did not yield the desired result, government forces would storm the Taliban. Reports also said, a Taliban commander Abdul Ahad, better known as Rayes Baghran - the Chief of Baghran – declared at the consultations that he would hand over Mullah Omar and also surrender along with his force of up to 1,500 men if the US bombing campaign was halted in southern Afghanistan.
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January - 7 
A leader of the Jameat-Ulema-e-Islam (JuI-Fazlur faction), Maulana Noor Mohammad and Chief of the Jamaat-e-Islam (JeI), Baluchistan, Maulana Abdul Haq Baloch, on January 7 criticised the handing over of Zaeef to US authorities. They termed the government's decision as undiplomatic and illegal. They
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A leader of the Jameat-Ulema-e-Islam (JuI-Fazlur faction), Maulana Noor Mohammad and Chief of the Jamaat-e-Islam (JeI), Baluchistan, Maulana Abdul Haq Baloch, on January 7 criticised the handing over of Zaeef to US authorities. They termed the government's decision as undiplomatic and illegal. They said the government should have given political asylum to Zaeef. While claiming that the authorities had handed over Zaeef to the US authorities in Islamabad, the leaders rejected the government's claim that the ex-Envoy had been deported to Afghanistan.
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January - 7 
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Chairperson Afrasiab Khattak said the deportation of Mullah Abdul Salam Zaeef, former Taliban Ambassador to Pakistan, appears to have been carried out without observing legal procedures and formalities. In a press statement released on January 7, he said Za
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Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Chairperson Afrasiab Khattak said the deportation of Mullah Abdul Salam Zaeef, former Taliban Ambassador to Pakistan, appears to have been carried out without observing legal procedures and formalities. In a press statement released on January 7, he said Zaeef, who had sought asylum in the country, was forced back into Afghanistan despite the fact that Pakistani authorities were fully aware of the hostile conditions he faced there. "The treatment meted out to him is similar to the manner chosen to deal with hundreds of Afghans after September 11 who were pushed back across the border by the administration without permission from courts and without completing any legal procedure".
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January - 8 
According to media reports of January 8, Inspector General Frontier Corps (IGFC), Maj. Gen. Tajul Haq, told a visiting US Senate delegation in Peshawar that adequate measures had been taken by the government to check the entry of foreign terrorists from across the border into Pakistan. He briefed th
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According to media reports of January 8, Inspector General Frontier Corps (IGFC), Maj. Gen. Tajul Haq, told a visiting US Senate delegation in Peshawar that adequate measures had been taken by the government to check the entry of foreign terrorists from across the border into Pakistan. He briefed the nine-member delegation led by Senator Lieberman, which visited the Khyber Pass and the Pakistan-Afghanistan border at Torkham, on January 8. The IGFC told the delegates that the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) administration was fully guarded to check the entry of terrorists and added that 208 terrorist, mostly foreigners, have been arrested till date.
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January - 8 
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf told visiting US Senators, on January, 8 that he did not believe that Osama bin Laden had escaped to Pakistan to evade possible US capture. Senator Joseph Lieberman said the delegation of US Senators touring the South Asian region had discussed the possible wherea
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Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf told visiting US Senators, on January, 8 that he did not believe that Osama bin Laden had escaped to Pakistan to evade possible US capture. Senator Joseph Lieberman said the delegation of US Senators touring the South Asian region had discussed the possible whereabouts of bin Laden during their meeting with President Pervez Musharraf in Islamabad. "He (Musharraf) does not think that Osama bin Laden is in Pakistan. Of course, he said he does not know for sure. His own guess is that he is hiding in the mountains in Afghanistan," Lieberman said.
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January - 9 
Mohammad Ashraf Saraf, a leader of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), has called upon the international community to draw a clear distinction between terrorism and ‘freedom movement’. Terrorism would have to be differentiated from the "just and legal struggle of Kashmiri people for the implemen
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Mohammad Ashraf Saraf, a leader of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), has called upon the international community to draw a clear distinction between terrorism and ‘freedom movement’. Terrorism would have to be differentiated from the "just and legal struggle of Kashmiri people for the implementation of UN resolution", Saraf said while talking to Dawn, a Pakistani daily, in Islamabad, on January 9. On the Kashmir issue, he said militancy would end "the day India withdrew its 700,000 troops from the valley." Commenting on cross-border terrorism, he claimed that the number of Pakistanis involved in militancy in Kashmir was a fraction of Indian paramilitary forces present.
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January - 10 
Foreign Office spokesperson Aziz Ahmed Khan said during a press briefing in Islamabad, on January 10, that, "nothing is being demanded from Pakistan." He was replying to a question on the demands of the United States in relation to the December 13, 2001 terrorist attack on Indian Parliament. He said
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Foreign Office spokesperson Aziz Ahmed Khan said during a press briefing in Islamabad, on January 10, that, "nothing is being demanded from Pakistan." He was replying to a question on the demands of the United States in relation to the December 13, 2001 terrorist attack on Indian Parliament. He said, "Pakistan is taking action to eliminate terrorism and will continue to take measure in this regard."
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January - 12 
In a major crackdown on terrorists and religious extremists and activists of outlawed organisations on January 12, hours ahead of President Pervez Musharraf's televised address to the nation, over 500 persons have been arrested in various parts of the country. Senior police officials in Sindh said 2
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In a major crackdown on terrorists and religious extremists and activists of outlawed organisations on January 12, hours ahead of President Pervez Musharraf's televised address to the nation, over 500 persons have been arrested in various parts of the country. Senior police officials in Sindh said 200 activists of various outfits were arrested. As the President concluded his address, orders were issued to seal offices and places being used by various religious, sectarian or politico-religious parties and terrorist groups, or their leaders, to prevent any possible reaction. The arrested included 58 cadres of the Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) and 16 activists of the Tehreek-e-Jaferia Pakistan (TJP). Reports from Hyderabad, Sindh, indicated, approximately 200 activists and some leaders of various terrorist outfits and sectarian groups were arrested there. Around 50 persons of different religious parties were arrested in Sukkur and Larkana divisions. 50 local leaders and activists of the TJP and SSP were arrested in the Jacobabad district. Separately, more than 20 active members of the TJP and SSP were arrested from the Khairpur district. Police also arrested several cadres of SSP, TJP, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Sunni Tehrik in raids conducted in Nawabshah. Media reports added that police in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) arrested more than 100 leaders and activists of TJP and SSP. The crackdown is expected to continue for the next few days.
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January - 12 
President Pervez Musharraf, in an address to the nation on electronic media, on January 12, announced the proscription of five terrorist outfits, taking the number of banned groups to seven. President Musharraf banned two outfits active in Jammu and Kashmir, the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-
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President Pervez Musharraf, in an address to the nation on electronic media, on January 12, announced the proscription of five terrorist outfits, taking the number of banned groups to seven. President Musharraf banned two outfits active in Jammu and Kashmir, the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). Sectarian outfits Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP), Tehreek-e-Jaferia Pakistan (TJP) and Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi (TNSM) were also proscribed. He also announced that the Sunni Tehrik has been placed under observation. As reported earlier, two sectarian outfits, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) and Sipah-e-Mohammed Pakistan (SMP), had been proscribed on August 14, 2001. Besides the proscription, he also banned any organisation in Pakistan if it calls itself as Lashkar, Sipah or Jaish. Those to be found involved in inciting people to commit violence, either in the external or internal context, would face punitive action, he added. He also stated that, in the year 2001, 400 persons had been killed in violent activities. He also announced future rules of behaviour for madrassas (seminaries) and mosques. He indicated that any mosque and new religious schools could be established only with the permission of the government. He also restricted the use of loudspeakers and all parties were disallowed the use of mosques or madrassas for political purpose, fanning sectarian hatred or anything that challenged the writ of the government. The President also said Pakistani religious leaders should not involve themselves in conflicts outside Pakistan. The President said Pakistan would not hand over any Pakistani national to India, though India has sent a list of 20 people it wants for terrorist and criminal activities committed in India. While condemning the terrorist attacks of September 11, October I and December 13 of year 2001, he added, if evidence was produced to Pakistan against these people, they would be proceeded against under Pakistani laws.
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January - 13 
Sheikh Jamil ur Rehman, ‘Military Chief’ of the Tehreek-al-Mujahideen and Secretary General of the Muttahida Jehad Council (MJC) in a statement from Muzaffarabad on January 13 has welcomed President Pervez Musharaf's reaffirmation for Pakistani moral and political support to the ‘Kashmiri cause’. He
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Sheikh Jamil ur Rehman, ‘Military Chief’ of the Tehreek-al-Mujahideen and Secretary General of the Muttahida Jehad Council (MJC) in a statement from Muzaffarabad on January 13 has welcomed President Pervez Musharaf's reaffirmation for Pakistani moral and political support to the ‘Kashmiri cause’. He said that this "will boost the moral of Kashmiri people struggling for their right of self determination."
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January - 13 
The Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) government said on January 13 declared that the ban on sectarian and terrorist outfits announced by President Pervez Musharraf would be extended to the region also. "I fully endorse the speech of President Musharraf and we will take action in our area in line with
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The Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) government said on January 13 declared that the ban on sectarian and terrorist outfits announced by President Pervez Musharraf would be extended to the region also. "I fully endorse the speech of President Musharraf and we will take action in our area in line with it," PoK Prime Minister Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan said in Muzaffarabad. He said his government had no links with the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT).
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January - 13 
The Pakistan-Afghanistan Defence Council (PADC) and its constituent religious parties, while opposing President Pervez Musharraf’s January 12-speech, termed it as being against the principles of Islam and democracy. The religious leaders, on January 13, opposed the ban on sectarian and terrorist out
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The Pakistan-Afghanistan Defence Council (PADC) and its constituent religious parties, while opposing President Pervez Musharraf’s January 12-speech, termed it as being against the principles of Islam and democracy. The religious leaders, on January 13, opposed the ban on sectarian and terrorist outfits and claimed that religious institutions were not imparting military training to students. They opined that the President had delivered the speech under American pressure. Abdul Rasheed Ghazi, spokesperson and central leader of the PADC, said the President was "imposing his will on the masses." He also claimed that that the government would "never be able to prove a single case against the religious institutions were giving military training to their students and spreading terrorism." While criticising the imposition of certain restrictions on religious institutions, he added, in India such institutions operate independently. He claimed a number of NGOs funded by Jews were operating in Pakistan and were spreading anti-Islamic teachings among the general public. He also added that he, along with many other religious leaders, had gone underground to avoid being arrested.
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January - 14 
Chief of his own faction of the Jamaat-Ulema-e-Islam (JuI-Samiul faction), Maulana Samiul Haq opined in Nowshera on January 13 that the ban on terrorist and sectarian outfits was unjustified. He said that, "the Army cannot fight alone and guidance from the religious and Jehadi groups is a must for J
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Chief of his own faction of the Jamaat-Ulema-e-Islam (JuI-Samiul faction), Maulana Samiul Haq opined in Nowshera on January 13 that the ban on terrorist and sectarian outfits was unjustified. He said that, "the Army cannot fight alone and guidance from the religious and Jehadi groups is a must for Jehad." According to him, "there is a need to impart Jihad training to the whole nation and the religious parties could play an important role for this purpose." He claimed that madrassas (religious seminaries) and mosques have never been involved in terrorism.
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January - 14 
The Punjab Governor Khalid Maqbool said in Lahore on January 14 that the proscribed sectarian and terrorist outfits would not be allowed to resurface with any new nomenclature. He disclosed that the provincial government had arrested approximately 550 cadres and sealed 250 offices of these groups an
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The Punjab Governor Khalid Maqbool said in Lahore on January 14 that the proscribed sectarian and terrorist outfits would not be allowed to resurface with any new nomenclature. He disclosed that the provincial government had arrested approximately 550 cadres and sealed 250 offices of these groups and organisations since the January 12. He said that the government would closely monitor their activities to ensure that they do not re-emerge with new names.
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January - 15 
An Interior Ministry spokesperson was quoted as saying that the government considered the banned outfits including the Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) SSP and the Tehreek-e-Jaferia Pakistan (TJP) as terrorist organisations and, therefore, were banned under the Anti-Terrorism Act. He also disclosed tha
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An Interior Ministry spokesperson was quoted as saying that the government considered the banned outfits including the Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) SSP and the Tehreek-e-Jaferia Pakistan (TJP) as terrorist organisations and, therefore, were banned under the Anti-Terrorism Act. He also disclosed that both the SSP and TJP, contrary to certain media reports, were also not registered as political parties. He added that both the parties did not contest any election under their present name but participated in the last elections under their previous names Anjuman Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan and Tehrike Nifaze Fiqa-e-Jaferia.
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January - 15 
Chief of Tehreek-e-Jaferia (TJP), Allama Sajid Ali Naqvi has reportedly indicated at the formation of a new party after the imposition of a ban against it by the government. "We have already got an approval at a convention to set up a new party. The other course is to move the court. If we hope to g
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Chief of Tehreek-e-Jaferia (TJP), Allama Sajid Ali Naqvi has reportedly indicated at the formation of a new party after the imposition of a ban against it by the government. "We have already got an approval at a convention to set up a new party. The other course is to move the court. If we hope to get justice we may approach the court also", he told the BBC. He observed that the TJP is now thinking to adopt some alternative course. Commenting on the proscription, he reportedly said, "We denounce it and reject it. It is altogether excess. The real culprits are those who have taken Pakistan to the brink of destruction. They destroyed Pakistan because of the previous Afghan policy and they carried this destruction to the whole world. We played role in the politics of Pakistan. We participated in several elections. Pakistani law does not allow ban on a political party."
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January - 15 
The Baluchistan government has announced that it will monitor the activities of 160 madrassas (religious seminaries) in Baluchistan to ascertain whether they are involved in any illegal activities. The heads of all religious schools have reportedly assured the government that they would not allow an
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The Baluchistan government has announced that it will monitor the activities of 160 madrassas (religious seminaries) in Baluchistan to ascertain whether they are involved in any illegal activities. The heads of all religious schools have reportedly assured the government that they would not allow any illegal activity in their institutions and also extend full co-operation to the government, a government spokesman said.
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January - 17 
Javed Ashraf, Pakistan Communications and Railway Minister said in Dubai on January 17 that approximately 400 persons were killed in Shia-Sunni violence in Karachi in the year 2001. Ashraf, also the Special Envoy of President Musharraf, is touring the Gulf region to apprise the situation on the bord
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Javed Ashraf, Pakistan Communications and Railway Minister said in Dubai on January 17 that approximately 400 persons were killed in Shia-Sunni violence in Karachi in the year 2001. Ashraf, also the Special Envoy of President Musharraf, is touring the Gulf region to apprise the situation on the borders also said that India has not provided any proof of involvement of Pakistani nationals in the December 13, 2001 terrorist attack on parliament. The attackers, he added, did not carry any identity documents.
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January - 18 
President Pervez Musharraf said in Islamabad on January 18 that Osama bin Laden is most likely dead since he was unable to get treatment for his kidney ailment. "I think now, frankly, he is dead for the reason he is a patient, he is a kidney patient," Musharraf said in an interview with CNN. "I don'
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President Pervez Musharraf said in Islamabad on January 18 that Osama bin Laden is most likely dead since he was unable to get treatment for his kidney ailment. "I think now, frankly, he is dead for the reason he is a patient, he is a kidney patient," Musharraf said in an interview with CNN. "I don't know if he has been getting all that treatment in Afghanistan now. And the photographs that have been shown of him on television show him extremely weak. ... I would give the first priority that he is dead and the second priority that he is alive somewhere in Afghanistan," he added.
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January - 19 
Pakistani Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar said in Islamabad on January 19 that the government would hand over to India a list of persons involved in terrorist activities in Pakistan for their extradition. Speaking at a joint press conference along with Canadian Deputy Prime Minister John Manley at the
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Pakistani Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar said in Islamabad on January 19 that the government would hand over to India a list of persons involved in terrorist activities in Pakistan for their extradition. Speaking at a joint press conference along with Canadian Deputy Prime Minister John Manley at the Foreign Office, he said, "We have names on our list and we will forward the list to the Indian government in due course of time so that the exchange of criminals is done on reciprocal basis." However, Sattar did not disclose the names or the number of terrorists who had reportedly fled to India after committing acts of terrorism in Pakistan. Commenting on the Indian demand of extraditing 20 Pakistan-based terrorists, Sattar said among those wanted by New Delhi included six Pakistanis and there was no question of handing them over to India. According to him, "As far as extradition of non-Pakistanis is concerned, it involves a complex legal and political procedure." He said the government was tracing these criminals as it had not yet ascertained as to how many of them were in official custody. The Foreign Minister said the Indian list contained names of some criminals who had been involved in cases as old as the hijacking case of 1981.
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January - 21 
Khalil Muhammad al-Zair, Pakistan and Afghanistan director of the Kuwait-based Ahyauttaras-ul-Islami (Revival of Islamic Heritage Society), whose assets were recently frozen by the United States, said in Peshawar on January 21 that his organization was not financing Osama bin Laden and his Al Qaeda
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Khalil Muhammad al-Zair, Pakistan and Afghanistan director of the Kuwait-based Ahyauttaras-ul-Islami (Revival of Islamic Heritage Society), whose assets were recently frozen by the United States, said in Peshawar on January 21 that his organization was not financing Osama bin Laden and his Al Qaeda terrorist network. "We have no links with Osama and his al-Qaeda organisation. Any news about our involvement in terrorist activities are baseless and unfounded," said Abul Haris. Ahyauttaras-ul-Islami, he added, was a charity organisation working for the promotion of education for children, constructing schools and mosques and looking after orphans.
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January - 22 
Addressing to a joint press conference in Islamabad along with Foreign Office spokesperson Aziz Ahmed Khan, the Director General of Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Rashid Qureshi, has rejected reports that Pakistan’s external intelligence agency, Inter Services Intelligence (ISI
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Addressing to a joint press conference in Islamabad along with Foreign Office spokesperson Aziz Ahmed Khan, the Director General of Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Rashid Qureshi, has rejected reports that Pakistan’s external intelligence agency, Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) was involved in the terrorist attack on the American Centre in Kolkata, India, on January 22. He said that Pakistan was against terrorism in all its forms and manifestation and all reports about Pakistani involvement in terrorist activities were baseless and wrong.
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January - 22 
Pakistan on January 22 condemned the terrorist attack on the US consulate in Kolkata, India by indicating that it has always denounced terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Aziz Khan, a Foreign Office spokesperson denied allegations that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) had any role in
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Pakistan on January 22 condemned the terrorist attack on the US consulate in Kolkata, India by indicating that it has always denounced terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Aziz Khan, a Foreign Office spokesperson denied allegations that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) had any role in the incident. He said that these allegations were baseless. "Pakistan has always condemned terrorism and in this regard we have cooperated with the international coalition against terrorism. Pakistan itself has a comprehensive policy against terrorism," he added.
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January - 29 
Foreign Office spokesperson Aziz Ahmed Khan said in Islamabad on the same day, "That is an absurd report." He said that he had checked with the two military hospitals with dialysis facilities in Rawalpindi and found that there had been "no such thing". He also denied reports suggesting that there wa
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Foreign Office spokesperson Aziz Ahmed Khan said in Islamabad on the same day, "That is an absurd report." He said that he had checked with the two military hospitals with dialysis facilities in Rawalpindi and found that there had been "no such thing". He also denied reports suggesting that there was any secret team of medical workers to treat bin Laden. "How can we have secret urologists?" Qureshi asked.
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January - 30 
The Foreign Office spokesperson said in Islamabad on January 30 that the government is studying the context of a news item published in The News on the same day that Indian Home Minister LK Advani was involved in a conspiracy to assassinate the country’s first Governor General Muhammad Ali Jinnah in
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The Foreign Office spokesperson said in Islamabad on January 30 that the government is studying the context of a news item published in The News on the same day that Indian Home Minister LK Advani was involved in a conspiracy to assassinate the country’s first Governor General Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 1947. According to the news item, the Jamshed Quarters Police Station in Karachi had registered a First Information Report (FIR) against L K Advani and 17 others on September 10, 1947 on charges of attempting to kill Muhammad Ali Jinnah, then Prime Minister Liaqat Ali Khan, Khawaja Nazimuddin and other frontline leaders of Pakistan Movement. However, police could arrest only six persons while the remaining 12 persons, including L K Advani, escaped. They were declared proclaimed offenders by the Government of Pakistan while those arrested were tried in the court and were served with various punishments. The spokesman said, "the veracity of the report is being ascertained… The Foreign Office would not be in a position to make any comments on this subject before the facts of the news story have been fully looked into."
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January - 30 
The United States President George W Bush, while delivering the State of the Union Address on January 30, characterised the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), responsible for terrorist attacks in India, including the December 13, 2001 attack on Parliament House, as one of the most dangerous terrorist outfits i
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The United States President George W Bush, while delivering the State of the Union Address on January 30, characterised the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), responsible for terrorist attacks in India, including the December 13, 2001 attack on Parliament House, as one of the most dangerous terrorist outfits in the world. He said, "A terrorist underworld, including groups like the Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jehad and the JeM, operates in remote jungles and deserts, and hides in centres of large cities". Bush warned that thousands of "dangerous killers", schooled in the methods of murder, were spread throughout the world like "time bombs — set to go off without warning" despite successes in the US-led war against terror. "These enemies view the entire world as a battlefield, and we must pursue them wherever they are", he said. The President warned governments timid in the face of terrorism that the US would act should they fail. He said, "Some governments will be timid in the face terror. And make no mistake: If they do not act, America will."
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January - 31 
Speaking during a media briefing in Islamabad on January 31, Pakistan’s military regime spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Rashid Qureshi said that there was an Indian link in the abduction of US-based Wall Street Journal journalist, Daniel Pearl. The abductors of the journalist have threatened to execute him
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Speaking during a media briefing in Islamabad on January 31, Pakistan’s military regime spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Rashid Qureshi said that there was an Indian link in the abduction of US-based Wall Street Journal journalist, Daniel Pearl. The abductors of the journalist have threatened to execute him by February 1 if their demands are not met. Major Qureshi however declined to give details of the alleged Indian link and said that "we hope that this does not surface into something which has been stage managed by the Indian agencies to defame Pakistan," Separately, commenting on the news report of an First Information Report (FIR) being filed against Indian Home Minister, L K Advani, he said that the government had noted the report and was investigating the matter.
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February - 1 
A news report of February 1, from Muzaffarabad in Pakistani occupied Kashmir (PoK) citing a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) spokesman, said terrorist groups based in PoK are keeping a low profile but insist that their terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir will not stop despite President Pervez Musharraf
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A news report of February 1, from Muzaffarabad in Pakistani occupied Kashmir (PoK) citing a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) spokesman, said terrorist groups based in PoK are keeping a low profile but insist that their terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir will not stop despite President Pervez Musharraf’s crackdown on Islamic extremism. The news report adds that most terrorist outfits which were previously based in the main streets of Muzaffarabad have been shifted out. Graffiti calling for jihad or holy war against India have disappeared from the town’s walls. However, the HM spokesman, Salim Hashmi claimed that this discretion is a normal "operational strategy" linked to "unusually cold weather" and has nothing to do with President Musharraf’s crackdown. He added that "Musharraf's crackdown has not made any difference because 90 per cent of the fighters are local Kashmiris, and the majority is affiliated with Hizbul Mujahideen."
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February - 3 
The Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) has urged the leadership in India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue as per the United Nations (UN) resolutions and the wishes and aspirations of the people of Kashmir. "Neither withdrawal of troops from the border nor the repeated demand for ending the cross-borde
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The Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) has urged the leadership in India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue as per the United Nations (UN) resolutions and the wishes and aspirations of the people of Kashmir. "Neither withdrawal of troops from the border nor the repeated demand for ending the cross-border terrorism will ease the tension between India and Pakistan as the heads of the two Governments are unrealistic in their approach to ease the border tension," the HM ‘commander-in-chief’, Saif-ul-Islam, said in a statement.
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February - 4 
The Amir of Jamaat-e-Islam (JeI) Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), Abdur Rasheed Turabi, has said that the arrest of the leaders in Pakistan, who were the staunch supporters of Jihad-i-Kashmir, and the banning of terrorist outfits would have a negative impact on the "movement for the liberation of Ka
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The Amir of Jamaat-e-Islam (JeI) Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), Abdur Rasheed Turabi, has said that the arrest of the leaders in Pakistan, who were the staunch supporters of Jihad-i-Kashmir, and the banning of terrorist outfits would have a negative impact on the "movement for the liberation of Kashmir." Turabi pointed out that the Kashmiri Muslims wanted to join Pakistan because it was achieved in the name of Islam. He added that "during the last 12 years 11 governments had changed in Pakistan but no government had dared change Pakistan's policy on Kashmir."
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February - 4 
The provincial executive committee of Jamaat-Ulema-e-Islam (JuI-Fazlur Rahman faction) has said that the religious group had neither any association with any sectarian or terrorist organisations in the past nor they have any intention to establish links with them in the future. This was stated at a
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The provincial executive committee of Jamaat-Ulema-e-Islam (JuI-Fazlur Rahman faction) has said that the religious group had neither any association with any sectarian or terrorist organisations in the past nor they have any intention to establish links with them in the future. This was stated at a committee meeting held in Quetta on February 4. The meeting observed that such sectarian and terrorist organisations were founded by agencies and had played the role of "a pawn of the agencies."
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February - 6 
Pakistan-based proscribed terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) on February 6 denied any link with the abduction of US journalist Daniel Pearl. "We have no link with the kidnapping of the US reporter or with the people allegedly arrested by the police in this connection," Jaish spokesperson Rana F
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Pakistan-based proscribed terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) on February 6 denied any link with the abduction of US journalist Daniel Pearl. "We have no link with the kidnapping of the US reporter or with the people allegedly arrested by the police in this connection," Jaish spokesperson Rana Farooq Tahir said in Muzaffarabad. Pakistani investigators on the same day named Sheikh Omar as a chief suspect in Pearl's abduction and said he was a JeM leader. But Tahir while denying Omar was connected to the outfit added that they did not believe in "inhuman activities such as kidnapping." He also said "We don't have any activities in Pakistan. We are confined to occupied Kashmir where we are engaged in a legitimate struggle to overthrow illegal Indian rule… We target military personnel and installations."
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February - 7 
Russia on February 7, asked Pakistan to hand over terrorists and criminals sought by India and disarm terrorist groups operating on its soil to prove on ground its recent commitments to root out terrorism. The visiting Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Illya Klebanov, said it was time for Pakistan to p
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Russia on February 7, asked Pakistan to hand over terrorists and criminals sought by India and disarm terrorist groups operating on its soil to prove on ground its recent commitments to root out terrorism. The visiting Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Illya Klebanov, said it was time for Pakistan to prove to the entire international community its ‘seriousness’ in fighting terrorism. He said, "We absolutely agree with when India tells Pakistan to do something on ground to show its sincerity. We want that terrorists should be disarmed, punished and where cases were made out to hand them over to India". He said Russia always unequivocally supported India in its stand on Kashmir.
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February - 9 
Interior Minister Lt-Gen (retd) Moinuddin Haider, while speaking in Karachi on February 9, said that American journalist Daniel Pearl had not been recovered as yet and ruled out any negotiations with his abductors. He said, "There is no negotiation and there will be no negotiations." The Minister sa
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Interior Minister Lt-Gen (retd) Moinuddin Haider, while speaking in Karachi on February 9, said that American journalist Daniel Pearl had not been recovered as yet and ruled out any negotiations with his abductors. He said, "There is no negotiation and there will be no negotiations." The Minister said, "We have succeeded in pinpointing possibly the organisation which is a banned one which has done this act and I hope that we will soon reach the prime suspect Sheikh Omar". He added that the news regarding Pearl’s recovery was not correct. He said the authorities had no proof that Pearl was still alive. "No, we don't have any evidence," he replied when asked.
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February - 9 
National Kashmir Committee Chairman, Sardar Muhammad Abdul Qayyum Khan, said in Lahore on February 9 that no further action would be taken against any terrorist group. He said the action taken against terrorist groups would not affect the ‘freedom movement’. He also said that the strategy adopted by
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National Kashmir Committee Chairman, Sardar Muhammad Abdul Qayyum Khan, said in Lahore on February 9 that no further action would be taken against any terrorist group. He said the action taken against terrorist groups would not affect the ‘freedom movement’. He also said that the strategy adopted by these groups had caused problems to the government and necessitated action against some of them. Sardar Qayyum added that the strategy for resolving the Kashmir issue may undergo changes on various occasions till the problem is finally settled.
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February - 10 
According to media reports, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, is reported to have hinted at the possibility that the abduction of US journalist Daniel Pearl could have been orchestrated by India. President Musharraf reportedly said this during his visit to the US. He also said that there could h
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According to media reports, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, is reported to have hinted at the possibility that the abduction of US journalist Daniel Pearl could have been orchestrated by India. President Musharraf reportedly said this during his visit to the US. He also said that there could have been a "negative fallout" from action against different terrorist and sectarian outfits. A Washington Post report has said that "the general believes Mr Pearl may have been a pawn in an intelligence game being played by India." In the interview, Musharraf is reported to have based his suspicions on the fact that Maulana Masood Azhar, Chief of the proscribed Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and the main suspect in the abduction, Omar Sheikh, had both been in Indian prisons and were never tried. According to Musharraf, "this (argument) made sense to him because ... the leader of the Jaish-i-Mohammad was in jail for seven long years in India and he wasn't even tried ... How is all this happening in India? And this man (Umer) was also there." "We all know," Musharraf added, "intelligence is a very bad game, and they can come out with any kind of game to justify or to organize or orchestrate such activities. These are common activities orchestrated by the intelligence agencies." However, the report also quotes senior Pakistani investigators as saying that they have not gathered any evidence of an Indian involvement in the abduction, which "seems to be an indigenous plot unless Umer Shaikh appears and confesses to fronting for Indian intelligence". It was ridiculous to expect, an official told the paper, that the abductor would "use the most monitored telephone connection in Karachi to talk to his bosses in New Delhi".
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February - 10 
According to media reports, the Federal government is reported to have directed the provincial governments to complete registration and computerisation of records of all the mosques and seminaries by March 23, 2002, besides taking stern action against elements involved in illegal construction of mos
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According to media reports, the Federal government is reported to have directed the provincial governments to complete registration and computerisation of records of all the mosques and seminaries by March 23, 2002, besides taking stern action against elements involved in illegal construction of mosques and seminaries on government or private land by means of forced possession. In a letter to the provinces, the Interior Ministry has said that the provincial governments would computerise the religious record while at central level record will be preserved at Ministry of Religious Affairs. Directives have also been issued to provinces to make a report on the number of local and foreign students studying in the seminaries besides detecting sources providing financial assistance.
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February - 10 
Meanwhile, the Pakistani government said that concerns were increasing over the safety of Daniel Pearl, with no information from the abductors or major breakthroughs in the case for several days. "Of course we are (becoming increasingly concerned) ... because we were hoping for a breakthrough in the
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Meanwhile, the Pakistani government said that concerns were increasing over the safety of Daniel Pearl, with no information from the abductors or major breakthroughs in the case for several days. "Of course we are (becoming increasingly concerned) ... because we were hoping for a breakthrough in the last two or three days -- but all of us are trying very hard," Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider told reporters on February 10. He said Omar Sheikh had been in telephone contact with one of his relatives recently. "She (the relative) said 'we have been rounded up by the police and I think your game is up. We didn't know you were indulging in this thing, you had better hand yourself over'," Moin said. "He heard this and after this, his telephone went dead ... that was the last contact," the Minister added. As reported earlier, police have detained several of Omar's family, including an uncle and two cousins. Moin said three persons had been charged with terrorism and being accomplices to the abduction of Pearl. Moinuddin Haider also ruled out any link of the Osama bin Laden’s Al Qaeda terrorist network with the abduction. However, the minister said that there could be a possibility of the involvement of a banned terrorist group in the case.
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February - 10 
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's allegations that there may be an Indian link in the abduction of US journalist Daniel Pearl has been dismissed by US administration, indicated a news report. "State Department officials initially praised Musharraf's assistance in looking for Pearl. But Musharra
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Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's allegations that there may be an Indian link in the abduction of US journalist Daniel Pearl has been dismissed by US administration, indicated a news report. "State Department officials initially praised Musharraf's assistance in looking for Pearl. But Musharraf's recent comments alleging that India might have played a role in Pearl's disappearance have deeply irritated US officials," US daily USA Today said quoting official sources. "Washington believes India had no role in Pearl's kidnapping and also worries that Musharraf's comments could re-ignite India-Pakistan tensions," it said.
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February - 11 
A government spokesperson has said that labelling Aftab Ansari, prime accused in the January 22 terrorist attack on American Centre in Kolkata, as a Pakistani "will no longer be received with any credence. It is particularly so when Prime Minister Vajpayee refers to a conspiracy within India to flar
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A government spokesperson has said that labelling Aftab Ansari, prime accused in the January 22 terrorist attack on American Centre in Kolkata, as a Pakistani "will no longer be received with any credence. It is particularly so when Prime Minister Vajpayee refers to a conspiracy within India to flare up violence." He was commenting on Indian media reports quoting the Indian Premier as indicating that Aftab Ansari alias farhan Malik was holding a Pakistani passport. "Labelling Aftab Ansari as a Pakistani or an Indian holding a Pakistani passport will no longer be received with any credence by international community, nor, indeed, in India itself," he said to a question.
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February - 11 
Meanwhile, official sources said the arrest of Ansari has yielded ‘major clues’ about the abduction of American journalist Daniel Pearl in Karachi. Officials investigating the case claimed that they had ‘specific information about the movement of Ansari in Pakistan and even the Federal Bureau of Inv
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Meanwhile, official sources said the arrest of Ansari has yielded ‘major clues’ about the abduction of American journalist Daniel Pearl in Karachi. Officials investigating the case claimed that they had ‘specific information about the movement of Ansari in Pakistan and even the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had his own inputs about his association with the terrorist groups who are suspected to be involved in Pearl’s abduction.
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February - 16 
Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said on February 16, that the Sindh administration had not yet been able to control sectarian killings. He was briefing newsmen after presiding over the sixth inter-provincial conference on law and order at the Civil Secretariat in Karachi. According to the ministe
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Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said on February 16, that the Sindh administration had not yet been able to control sectarian killings. He was briefing newsmen after presiding over the sixth inter-provincial conference on law and order at the Civil Secretariat in Karachi. According to the minister, "Sindh has not so far given a strong message which it requires to immediately give to address the issue," adding that the law and order in other provinces was satisfactory. The minister also said that the speed of the de-weaponization campaign would be accelerated. He said that 137,000 weapons had been recovered so far which was a record. But as there still were a lot of illegal weapons, the provinces had been asked to speed up the recovery process. The authorities concerned have been directed to prepare a data base of all licensed weapons and arms dealers. After completion of the job, it would be decided whether or not to issue licences of weapons of non-prohibited bores and to cancel around 22,000 licences of Kalashnikovs, he said. He said the security company act was being introduced in Islamabad. Sindh had already adopted the act and other provinces would too follow the suit. There would be a regulatory body to ensure proper training of the private security guards to check their efficacy in protecting their clients and fighting against criminals. The minister added that the conference also discussed an action plan prepared in the aftermath of President Pervez Musharraf’s January 12 speech in which he had referred to the establishment of the writ of the government and rule of law in the country. The conference also decided to prepare a data base of main leaders of sectarian parties and groups who had been indulging in violence and spreading sectarian hatred, and against whom cases had been registered in the past. The minister said that work on this data base had begun and would be completed by May 2002. He added that a the government was also going to introduce a prosecution service in police.
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February - 16 
News reports said that Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has ruled out handing over 20 terrorists wanted by India. He was speaking to newsmen on February 16 at the end of his visit to Washington. Announcing this, he claimed that "Now, I am not going to do their (India’s) bidding". Commenting on
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News reports said that Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has ruled out handing over 20 terrorists wanted by India. He was speaking to newsmen on February 16 at the end of his visit to Washington. Announcing this, he claimed that "Now, I am not going to do their (India’s) bidding". Commenting on the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), President Musharraf said these organisations have taken the "thekedari (contract) for jehadi operations in many countries and have become active participants in international politics". Later, speaking to newsmen in Dubai Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar said the 20 fugitives demanded by India were not involved in the December 13, 2001 attack on Parliament and there is no question of handing anyone over. Questioning the Indian list, the minister said the it deals with crimes that were committed 20 years ago and were not related to December 13. Hence, he added, this "brings us to the question, why should India ask for them now. It is a clear bid to malign Pakistan".
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February - 18 
In a telephonic address to party workers in different cities of Pakistan, the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM-A) chief Altaf Hussain said that the outfit would field candidates in future elections if the organisation’s Co-ordination Committee approved the participation and the elections were held in a
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In a telephonic address to party workers in different cities of Pakistan, the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM-A) chief Altaf Hussain said that the outfit would field candidates in future elections if the organisation’s Co-ordination Committee approved the participation and the elections were held in a transparent manner. MQM-A, whose chief is based in London, had boycotted local level elections held earlier.
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February - 19 
Pakistan on February 19 rejected an Indian request to share information from an front ranking Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist arrested in connection with the abduction of US journalist Daniel Pearl. Reacting to India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Nirupama Rao’s statement on the same d
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Pakistan on February 19 rejected an Indian request to share information from an front ranking Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist arrested in connection with the abduction of US journalist Daniel Pearl. Reacting to India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Nirupama Rao’s statement on the same day that Sheikh Omar had information on the hijacking of an Indian aircraft IC 814 in December 1999 to Kandahar, Afghanistan, as well as the terrorist attacks on the State Legislature building in Jammu and Kashmir in October 2001 and Indian Parliament on December 13, 2001, a Pakistani government official said "Why should we share information with them? We have been asking (India) to share information on so many things which they never shared. Why should we share now? Omar was in Indian custody for so many years. Why did they not interrogate him then?".
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February - 20 
According to a report carried by the New York Times on February 20, Pakistan government has decided to downsize its Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) by approximately 40 per cent, including completely disbanding the unit dealing with Afghanistan and tempering the Kashmir cell. Report said the move w
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According to a report carried by the New York Times on February 20, Pakistan government has decided to downsize its Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) by approximately 40 per cent, including completely disbanding the unit dealing with Afghanistan and tempering the Kashmir cell. Report said the move would result in transfer of some 4,000 ISI personnel, mostly drawn from the armed forces, back to the parent cadres. This was disclosed by senior Pakistani military and intelligence officials to a New York Times correspondent in Islamabad, said the report. However, Pakistani Foreign Office spokesman denied the report saying, "This is totally rubbish. That's all I can say. This is absolutely baseless."
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February - 21 
According to media reports citing US and Pakistani officials, Daniel Pearl, the US journalist abducted in Karachi on January 23, is dead. However, the date of killing is yet to be ascertained. "We now believe, based on reports from the US State Department and police officials of Sindh, that Danny Pe
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According to media reports citing US and Pakistani officials, Daniel Pearl, the US journalist abducted in Karachi on January 23, is dead. However, the date of killing is yet to be ascertained. "We now believe, based on reports from the US State Department and police officials of Sindh, that Danny Pearl was killed by his captors," Peter Kann, publisher of Wall Street Journal, a US-based newspaper for which Pearl worked, said in a statement on February 21. Meanwhile, a US State Department press statement by Richard Boucher on the same day said "Our Embassy in Pakistan has confirmed today that they have received evidence that Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl is dead. We have informed Mr. Pearl’s family and expressed our sincere condolences. The murder of Mr. Pearl is an outrage and we condemn it. Both the United States and Pakistan are committed to identifying all the perpetrators of this crime and bringing them to justice. We will continue to work closely with Pakistani authorities, who had made every effort to locate and free Mr. Pearl." Daniel Pearl appears to be dead on a videotape reviewed by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the region, a US official said. "My understanding is that the FBI in Pakistan obtained a copy of a videotape on which it appears to be Daniel Pearl and he appears to be dead," the official added. Media reports indicated that the videotape received by the US Consulate a few days ago showed Pearl interviewing someone when an unidentified person pulled his head back from the hair and severed his head with a knife. The consulate was trying to establish veracity of the tape for the last few days. A spokesman for the Sindh Home Department said that "on Feb 21, around 11pm a video tape was received. The recorded video contained scenes showing Daniel Pearl in captivity and scenes of his murder by the kidnappers. The tape appears to be correct. Necessary instructions to the investigation teams have been issued to apprehended the remaining culprits."
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February - 21 
Pakistan has rejected the report of an US daily, New York Times, regarding the ban on two major units of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) dealing with Afghanistan and Kashmir. Replying to a question at a news briefing on February 21, Foreign Office spokesperson, Aziz Ahmed Khan, said that such
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Pakistan has rejected the report of an US daily, New York Times, regarding the ban on two major units of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) dealing with Afghanistan and Kashmir. Replying to a question at a news briefing on February 21, Foreign Office spokesperson, Aziz Ahmed Khan, said that such type of reports that have appeared earlier were also ultimately rejected by Pakistan. Terming the report as totally baseless, he added "I do not understand why a such false report was republished."
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February - 22 
According to media reports, pamphlets air dropped by US planes to warn the people against giving refuge to Osama bin Laden have fallen in some of Pakistan's tribal areas bordering Afghanistan. The pamphlets, in Pashto and Persian Dari languages, were initially meant for the Afghans and were being dr
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According to media reports, pamphlets air dropped by US planes to warn the people against giving refuge to Osama bin Laden have fallen in some of Pakistan's tribal areas bordering Afghanistan. The pamphlets, in Pashto and Persian Dari languages, were initially meant for the Afghans and were being dropped in Afghanistan in places where bin Laden was expected to seek refuge. However, the pamphlets are now reportedly being dropped in the tribal areas of Pakistan as the US authorities have suspected that bin Laden could have gone into hiding in these areas. This follows reports by sections of US media and certain experts that bin Laden may have found refuge in Pakistan's tribal areas in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
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February - 22 
According to media reports, Sheikh Mubarik Shah Gillani, chief of Jamaat-ul-Fuqra (JF) has said that he would be suing Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar for saying that he (Gillani) had links with India. Gillani said that he had presented himself before the Rawalpindi police after his name was linked to
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According to media reports, Sheikh Mubarik Shah Gillani, chief of Jamaat-ul-Fuqra (JF) has said that he would be suing Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar for saying that he (Gillani) had links with India. Gillani said that he had presented himself before the Rawalpindi police after his name was linked to the abduction of US journalist Daniel Pearl. He also said that his "contributions to the Kashmir cause since 1947 and then to the Afghan Jihad were on record." Questioning the foreign Minister’s statement, which, according to Sattar, was made on the basis of information obtained by the police from the itemized bill of the mobile telephones, a former Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) operative Khalid Khawaja who is a close associate of Gillani, said, "how could they release Shah Sahib if he was in touch with Indian ministers and all that?" As reported earlier, Gillani, the man Pearl had sought to meet before being abducted and who was released on the intervention of the High Court, is now under investigation for his alleged links to Osama bin Laden’s Al Qaeda terrorist network and for money laundering from the US into Pakistan and vice versa.
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February - 22 
Meanwhile, Gillani termed the abduction episode as "a Zionist plot to get his organization and educational institute declared as terrorist outfits and a conspiracy against the ISI." He also said, "Daniel is a secret service agent." Disassociating himself from the abduction, Gillani questioned, "Why
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Meanwhile, Gillani termed the abduction episode as "a Zionist plot to get his organization and educational institute declared as terrorist outfits and a conspiracy against the ISI." He also said, "Daniel is a secret service agent." Disassociating himself from the abduction, Gillani questioned, "Why did Daniel Pearl go to Bahawalpur to the house of Masood Azhar?
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February - 22 
The President also phoned US President George W Bush to condole the death of Daniel Pearl, Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said. Haider described Pearl's killing as "a professionally-executed act of terrorism that calls for more stringent action against this menace." He said that the four persons
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The President also phoned US President George W Bush to condole the death of Daniel Pearl, Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said. Haider described Pearl's killing as "a professionally-executed act of terrorism that calls for more stringent action against this menace." He said that the four persons, who had been identified for their involvement in the incident, were still wanted by investigating agencies. Three persons involved in the incident have already been arrested, he added. He also claimed that it was premature to say anything about India's involvement in this case. However, he added that British-born Omar Sheikh, prime accused in the case, had remained in Indian jails for five years.
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February - 23 
According to delayed reports, Federal Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said on February 23, in Islamabad, the videotape showing some unidentified assailants killing abducted US journalist Daniel Pearl is genuine. According to him, "The tape was given by three persons to a Karachi based journalist
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According to delayed reports, Federal Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said on February 23, in Islamabad, the videotape showing some unidentified assailants killing abducted US journalist Daniel Pearl is genuine. According to him, "The tape was given by three persons to a Karachi based journalist which was later delivered to the US Consulate General. It is unanimous opinion that the tape is genuine". Commenting on any plausible Indian involvement, he said it would be premature to say something on this as the prime suspect Omar Sheikh had remained in an Indian jail for five years. He also added that Pearl's killing was a conspiracy to affect Pakistan-US relationship.
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February - 23 
Pakistan stepped up security at all US diplomatic missions and business establishments while indicating that it could not rule out attacks against American interests following the videotaped killing of Daniel Pearl, reports said. An Interior Ministry official said that missions and US firms doing bu
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Pakistan stepped up security at all US diplomatic missions and business establishments while indicating that it could not rule out attacks against American interests following the videotaped killing of Daniel Pearl, reports said. An Interior Ministry official said that missions and US firms doing business in Pakistan also should review their own security arrangements and take greater precautions. Police sources have also indicated that they may never find the body of Daniel Pearl. Separately, reports pointed out that Daniel Pearl's phone was used to threaten three senior officials investigating the case.
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February - 25 
The United States has called on Pakistan to extradite Omar Sheikh, who reportedly confessed to masterminding the abduction of murdered US journalist Daniel Pearl, the White House said on February 25. White House spokesperson Ari Fleischer, while indicating that the US hopes to bring Omar and those r
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The United States has called on Pakistan to extradite Omar Sheikh, who reportedly confessed to masterminding the abduction of murdered US journalist Daniel Pearl, the White House said on February 25. White House spokesperson Ari Fleischer, while indicating that the US hopes to bring Omar and those responsible for killing Pearl to justice, added that Pakistan is a sovereign nation that continues to follow its own judicial system. Meanwhile, US ambassador to Pakistan Wendy Chamberlin said on the same day that the US had, since late-November 2001, been seeking the extradition of Omar Sheikh for an earlier abduction. "Sheikh Omar is a nasty character. He's been involved in kidnappings and crimes against American citizens for many years. He's someone that we've had our eye on for many years and ... this has been an ongoing effort," said Chamberlin. She said she was likely to bring up the topic at a meeting with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf on February 25, today, although Pakistan lacks an extradition treaty with the USA.
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February - 25 
White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer said, on February 25, the US would "very much like to get our hands on Omar Sheikh and the others." US President George Bush said "Yes, we're always interested in dealing with people who have harmed American citizens."
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White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer said, on February 25, the US would "very much like to get our hands on Omar Sheikh and the others." US President George Bush said "Yes, we're always interested in dealing with people who have harmed American citizens."
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February - 26 
10 persons were killed and over 20 others injured as three unidentified terrorists opened fire on a group of approximately 40 persons offering prayers at the Shah Najaf Mosque in Khayaban-e-Sir Syed, Rawalpindi, on February 26. Media sources indicated that no group has thus far claimed responsibilit
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10 persons were killed and over 20 others injured as three unidentified terrorists opened fire on a group of approximately 40 persons offering prayers at the Shah Najaf Mosque in Khayaban-e-Sir Syed, Rawalpindi, on February 26. Media sources indicated that no group has thus far claimed responsibility for the suspected sectarian killing. No arrests have been made either in connection with the massacre. Meanwhile, while strongly condemning the massacre, President Pervez Musharraf has directed the Punjab and Federal governments to swiftly undertake a joint investigation and submit a report at the earliest. The President added that groups opposed to the government's policy of countering terrorism are "out to detract it from pursuing it vigorously…Those responsible would be unearthed and given exemplary punishment." Media reports have indicated that it was the first sectarian attack since the January 12-Presidential announcement of a crackdown on Islamist extremism and sectarianism. Separately, Interior Secretary Tasneem Noorani said the massacre was "a very reprehensible attack. This clearly appears to be a sectarian attack. It (sectarianism) has been curbed in the past, but to expect that everything will fall in line is expecting too much." Rawalpindi Range Deputy Inspector-General of Police Fareed Nawaz said the killing appeared to be sectarian motivated and was most probable that the killers had fled to neighbouring Islamabad.
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February - 27 
Federal Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said, on February 27, in Bali, Indonesia, that the US government had "not given us an official request'' for the extradition of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, the alleged mastermind behind the January 23-abduction of murdered US journalist Daniel Pearl. "It is qu
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Federal Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said, on February 27, in Bali, Indonesia, that the US government had "not given us an official request'' for the extradition of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, the alleged mastermind behind the January 23-abduction of murdered US journalist Daniel Pearl. "It is quite likely that when we find enough evidence against Saeed, he can possibly be tried in Pakistan, for which he can get maximum punishment,'' Haider said. While indicating that once the US Administration makes a formal request, Pakistan would "evaluate the situation,'' he added it might not be necessary by then. According to him, "Maybe the Americans, when they see that the trial is proceeding quite correctly in Pakistan ... America may not actually ask,'' Haider told reporters amid an international conference on human smuggling. While rejecting reports in the international media that have linked Omar to Pakistan's external intelligence agency, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), Haider said "Tell me, will the intelligence agency of Pakistan get any benefit from this? This tragic and unfortunate happening on the territory of Pakistan will of course not bring any credit to Pakistan. Why should anybody who is patriotic to Pakistan indulge in such an act?''
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February - 27 
Meanwhile, after a meeting with President Pervez Musharraf, US Ambassador to Pakistan Wendy Chamberlin said she was "not disappointed'' with his response to US requests to hand over Omar. But Chamberlin said no decision has been taken about whether Pakistan will extradite him.
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Meanwhile, after a meeting with President Pervez Musharraf, US Ambassador to Pakistan Wendy Chamberlin said she was "not disappointed'' with his response to US requests to hand over Omar. But Chamberlin said no decision has been taken about whether Pakistan will extradite him.
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February - 27 
Media reports quoting official sources in Karachi said they were working on legal formalities for extraditing Omar but were awaiting formal instructions and information from the Federal government. Separately, British High Commission spokesperson Paul O'Neil said he was unaware of Omar's nationality
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Media reports quoting official sources in Karachi said they were working on legal formalities for extraditing Omar but were awaiting formal instructions and information from the Federal government. Separately, British High Commission spokesperson Paul O'Neil said he was unaware of Omar's nationality status nor whether he had sought consular assistance. Asked whether Britain would object to Omar's extradition to the US, O'Neil said "This is a matter for the relevant UK authority."
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February - 27 
President Pervez Musharraf on February 27, while informing the Federal Cabinet that the US had asked for the extradition of Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist Omar Sheikh, said the trial would "preferably" be held in Pakistan. Referring to his meeting with Wendy Chamberlin, the US Ambassador to Pakistan, th
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President Pervez Musharraf on February 27, while informing the Federal Cabinet that the US had asked for the extradition of Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist Omar Sheikh, said the trial would "preferably" be held in Pakistan. Referring to his meeting with Wendy Chamberlin, the US Ambassador to Pakistan, the President said she had raised the issue of Omar Sheikh’s extradition to the US. "I told her that we will consider the request," the President was quoted as saying.
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February - 27 
Separately, in Washington, White House spokesperson Ari Fleischer said it was made clear to President Musharraf during his meeting with Chamberlin that the US wants Omar extradited.
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Separately, in Washington, White House spokesperson Ari Fleischer said it was made clear to President Musharraf during his meeting with Chamberlin that the US wants Omar extradited.
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February - 27 
Separately, the Inspector General of Punjab Police, Malik Asif Hayat, said the police had failed to make any positive breakthrough despite passage of 24 hours. Hayat, while terming the incident as terrorism, also claimed that elements associated with banned religious groups within the country as wel
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Separately, the Inspector General of Punjab Police, Malik Asif Hayat, said the police had failed to make any positive breakthrough despite passage of 24 hours. Hayat, while terming the incident as terrorism, also claimed that elements associated with banned religious groups within the country as well as from across the border could be involved in the incident. He also said that police were also ascertaining the plausible involvement of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Omar Sheikh’s accomplices, who might be attempting to pressurise the Federal government on the issue of his extradition to the US. There is also a possibility that the veterans of the Afghan Jehad may also have been involved in the incident, he said.
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February - 28 
Britain indicated on February 28 that it would not object if Pakistan extradited to the United States Omar Sheikh, the British-born Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist who has reportedly confessed to slain US reporter Daniel Pearl's abduction. "Any extradition request is a matter for Pakistani authorit
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Britain indicated on February 28 that it would not object if Pakistan extradited to the United States Omar Sheikh, the British-born Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist who has reportedly confessed to slain US reporter Daniel Pearl's abduction. "Any extradition request is a matter for Pakistani authorities and the country making that request. We will not interfere in another country's legal process," said a spokesperson for the British High Commission in Islamabad, on February 28. The spokesperson also said Omar had not sought British consular assistance. Media reports have indicated that Omar was issued a British passport in 1994 and is also believed to hold Pakistani nationality.
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February - 28 
Jamaat-e-Islam (JeI) chief Qazi Hussain Ahmed was released on February 28 from Lahore after a four-month detention. Upon release, he criticised the government for "creating a chaos by suspending political activities". He said he had been under illegal detention for four months for "taking up the cas
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Jamaat-e-Islam (JeI) chief Qazi Hussain Ahmed was released on February 28 from Lahore after a four-month detention. Upon release, he criticised the government for "creating a chaos by suspending political activities". He said he had been under illegal detention for four months for "taking up the case of people. The enemy has reached our borders and the people should get ready to fight against it." The JeI chief also said he was against sectarianism and fundamentalism and wanted a system based on social equality. He alleged that he was detained in a case for burning a police station, but no case was presented against him during the four-month detention.
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February - 28 
Pakistani police said on February 28 that two outlawed Sunni sectarian groups were likely behind the February 26-massacre at a Shiite mosque in Rawalpindi. "We believe those detained have links with an outlawed terrorist group, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi," said Punjab police chief Malik Asif Hayat. He said m
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Pakistani police said on February 28 that two outlawed Sunni sectarian groups were likely behind the February 26-massacre at a Shiite mosque in Rawalpindi. "We believe those detained have links with an outlawed terrorist group, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi," said Punjab police chief Malik Asif Hayat. He said most also had ties with the Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP), Lashkar-e-Jhangvi's (LeJ) parent organisation. As reported earlier, two armed men opened indiscriminate fire on Shiite worshippers at the mosque in the northern city of Rawalpindi, killing 11 persons and injuring 14 others. Asif Hayat indicated that LeJ terrorists who had returned from their safe havens in Afghanistan consequent to the fall of Taliban militia are likely to engage in terrorist activities in Pakistan.
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February - 28 March - 1
Foreign Secretary Inam-ul-Haque said in Tokyo on March 1 that Pakistan reserved the right to prosecute Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Omar Sheikh, prime suspect in the abduction of murdered US journalist Daniel Pearl, in one of its own courts. He said the government was still considering a US requ
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Foreign Secretary Inam-ul-Haque said in Tokyo on March 1 that Pakistan reserved the right to prosecute Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Omar Sheikh, prime suspect in the abduction of murdered US journalist Daniel Pearl, in one of its own courts. He said the government was still considering a US request to extradite the British-born Omar. According to him, "I am not ruling out the possibilities of extradition. The government is examining the request." But he added that Pakistan has "the first right" to try to punish Omar in a domestic court. Meanwhile, Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aziz Ahmed Khan, while confirming on February 28 that extradition "has been discussed" between USA and Pakistan, added "for the moment we will continue with our investigations."
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March - 3 
The Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan’s external intelligence agency, has no involvement in the abduction or murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl, said US Secretary of State Colin Powell. In an interview with CNN, Powell stated that he had seen no evidence to suggest that the ISI was invol
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The Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan’s external intelligence agency, has no involvement in the abduction or murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl, said US Secretary of State Colin Powell. In an interview with CNN, Powell stated that he had seen no evidence to suggest that the ISI was involved in the abduction and murder of Pearl. In a separate interview with CNN, Pakistan’s Ambassador in the US Maleeha Lodhi also rejected reports of ISI involvement as 'speculative'. She said the ISI was an arm of the government and "once a decision is taken, all in the government work to achieve the goals."
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March - 4 
A Foreign Office spokesperson said on March 4 that the question of whether Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist Omar Sheikh, prime accused in the abduction of murdered US journalist Daniel Pearl, should be tried in Pakistan or extradited to the United States would be considered in the context of the findings
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A Foreign Office spokesperson said on March 4 that the question of whether Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist Omar Sheikh, prime accused in the abduction of murdered US journalist Daniel Pearl, should be tried in Pakistan or extradited to the United States would be considered in the context of the findings of the investigation. "The ongoing investigation will determine whether Omar Sheikh alone or others would need to be brought to trial," he said.
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March - 4 
Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said in Karachi that investigating agencies were looking for the four accused persons who were involved in the abduction of Pearl. Haider said the clue to Pearl’s body would be available only when these four persons were arrested
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Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said in Karachi that investigating agencies were looking for the four accused persons who were involved in the abduction of Pearl. Haider said the clue to Pearl’s body would be available only when these four persons were arrested
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March - 6 
Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) ‘supreme commander’ Syed Salahuddin said, on March 6, in Islamabad that terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir would continue. "Freedom struggle in held Kashmir would continue till the end of brutal Indian rule, no matter how much more blood is required for this sacred cau
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Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) ‘supreme commander’ Syed Salahuddin said, on March 6, in Islamabad that terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir would continue. "Freedom struggle in held Kashmir would continue till the end of brutal Indian rule, no matter how much more blood is required for this sacred cause", said Salahuddin while presiding over an urgent meeting of the Muttahida Jehad Council (MJC), a conglomerate of 13 Pakistan-based terrorist groups.
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March - 7 
Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider on March 7 announced in Islamabad a general amnesty for cadres of proscribed religious or terrorist groups who would tender a written undertaking not to continue with that group any further. "The government will not take any further action against those activists o
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Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider on March 7 announced in Islamabad a general amnesty for cadres of proscribed religious or terrorist groups who would tender a written undertaking not to continue with that group any further. "The government will not take any further action against those activists of the banned groups who were arrested but had no criminal charges or having no FIR registered against them," announced Haider. According to media reports, lists of such cadres are being prepared by the Provinces and all those who have not been charged for any major crime would be released on a written undertaking that they would not continue with the banned party or group any further. Haider also said police have thus far arrested approximately 600 top-killers of sectarian organisations and their trial would commence as soon as the new system of anti-terrorist courts was operationalised.
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March - 7 
Reports in the Indian media said, US President George W Bush has asked Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to stop cross-border terrorism against India and create conditions for ‘meaningful dialogue between two countries’. A senior US government official, while talking to the Indian and Pakistani me
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Reports in the Indian media said, US President George W Bush has asked Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to stop cross-border terrorism against India and create conditions for ‘meaningful dialogue between two countries’. A senior US government official, while talking to the Indian and Pakistani media in Washington, on March 7, said, "[President] Bush has personally told Musharraf and the US ambassador in Pakistan also keeps telling him to stop cross-border terrorism before there can be any meaningful dialogue". He added, "We are in a new day, Pakistan has to make strategic changes, not tactical one. There is no place for cross-border terrorism and even Musharraf had agreed to that". Asked if Musharraf does not heed US advice and continues with terrorism, he said, "We take him at his word. He is an important ally. We will be with him if he acts, if he plays games, then there will be a problem."
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March - 8 
The Jamaat-Ulema-e-Islam (Fazlur Rahman faction) has threatened to launch a countrywide protest movement if the group’s chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman was not released by March 22. Provincial chief of the group Sheikh Amanullah said in Peshawar that the government was illegally detaining Fazlur Rahman.
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The Jamaat-Ulema-e-Islam (Fazlur Rahman faction) has threatened to launch a countrywide protest movement if the group’s chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman was not released by March 22. Provincial chief of the group Sheikh Amanullah said in Peshawar that the government was illegally detaining Fazlur Rahman.
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March - 9 
Speaking in Karachi, on March 9, Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said the government is determined to eliminate sectarian terrorism in the country. He said, "It is indeed a matter of grave concern for all of us that the scourge of sectarian killings continues to haunt some sections of the populat
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Speaking in Karachi, on March 9, Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said the government is determined to eliminate sectarian terrorism in the country. He said, "It is indeed a matter of grave concern for all of us that the scourge of sectarian killings continues to haunt some sections of the population despite imposition of ban on some parties allegedly involved in these heinous acts." Haider was speaking at a book release function.
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March - 10 
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Sushma Swaraj, while speaking in Islamabad, on March 10, said dialogue with Pakistan would not resume till Islamabad handed over at least some to the 20 criminals and terrorists wanted by India and Pakistan stopped cross-border terrorism. She said, "India
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Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Sushma Swaraj, while speaking in Islamabad, on March 10, said dialogue with Pakistan would not resume till Islamabad handed over at least some to the 20 criminals and terrorists wanted by India and Pakistan stopped cross-border terrorism. She said, "India will wait and see the change on the ground situation before agreeing for talks. If Pakistan hands over at least seven to ten criminals and brings down cross-border terrorism by 30 to 50 percent, relations can be normalised". The Minister added that President Pervez Musharraf’s refusal to denounce ‘cross-border terrorism’ and his insistence to make Kashmir the ‘core issue’ halted a positive development for an improvement in India-Pakistan relations.
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March - 14 
According to news reports, four persons accused of involvement in the recent killings of doctors in Karachi were arrested. This was stated by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Sindh, Syed Kamal Shah at a meeting of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) on March 14. The IGP said an accused invo
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According to news reports, four persons accused of involvement in the recent killings of doctors in Karachi were arrested. This was stated by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Sindh, Syed Kamal Shah at a meeting of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) on March 14. The IGP said an accused involved in the February 12-incident had been arrested and consequent to his information two more accused were arrested. Another accused person was also arrested while his three accomplices are still at large. The IGP also said it would be recommended to the government that doctors be issued weapon licences for their protection. He opined that doctors in the city had been killed in an organised manner and under a conspiracy aimed at spreading sectarian hatred.
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March - 14 
Media reports from Pakistan said US Attorney General John Ashcroft was quoted on March 14 as announcing the indictment of British-born Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Omar Sheikh, the alleged mastermind behind the abduction of US journalist Daniel Pearl. Omar "is charged with the kidnapping and mur
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Media reports from Pakistan said US Attorney General John Ashcroft was quoted on March 14 as announcing the indictment of British-born Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Omar Sheikh, the alleged mastermind behind the abduction of US journalist Daniel Pearl. Omar "is charged with the kidnapping and murder of Daniel Pearl and the 1994 kidnapping of a US citizen in India," Aschcroft announced at a press conference. The grand jury indictment charges Omar "with hostage-taking and conspiracy to commit hostage-taking resulting in the death of Daniel Pearl," said Ashcroft. Ashcroft also unsealed an indictment filed in November 2001 charging Omar with the 1994 armed abduction of US tourist Bela Jay Nuss in India. If Omar is found guilty of the crimes committed against Pearl "he could receive the death penalty," Ashcroft said, while conviction in the case of the US tourist carries "the maximum penalty of life in prison."
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March - 14 
Police launched a crackdown on sectarian terrorists in an attempt to curb a renewed spiral of violence between Sunnis and Shias. According to media reports, police have detained more than a dozen leaders in the past two days. Some 15 Sunni leaders have been arrested since March 12, religious affairs
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Police launched a crackdown on sectarian terrorists in an attempt to curb a renewed spiral of violence between Sunnis and Shias. According to media reports, police have detained more than a dozen leaders in the past two days. Some 15 Sunni leaders have been arrested since March 12, religious affairs adviser to the Punjab government, Tahir Ashrafi, said. "Police have arrested around 15 senior leaders of the banned Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) party, out of a list of about 50 wanted Sunni extremist leaders," he said. Among the detainees were SSP vice president Sheikh Hakim. SSP chief Maulana Azam Tariq has been under house arrest since November 2001. Meanwhile, reports quoting Intelligence officials indicated that Karachi was likely to be a centre of further sectarian violence during the holy Muharram period.
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March - 16 
President Pervez Musharraf said in Islamabad that he was outraged by the act of terrorism. He added that the "nefarious act was aimed at sabotaging Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism." He ordered the security agencies to launch a co-ordinated operation to track down the culprits involved in the
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President Pervez Musharraf said in Islamabad that he was outraged by the act of terrorism. He added that the "nefarious act was aimed at sabotaging Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism." He ordered the security agencies to launch a co-ordinated operation to track down the culprits involved in the attack.
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March - 17 
Moinuddin Haider, the Interior Minister, told CNN that the grenade attack could be the work of a suicide bomber. "Nobody has claimed responsibility for the attack but there is one unidentified body and we are seeing the possibility of that man being involved in this attacks." He said that the police
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Moinuddin Haider, the Interior Minister, told CNN that the grenade attack could be the work of a suicide bomber. "Nobody has claimed responsibility for the attack but there is one unidentified body and we are seeing the possibility of that man being involved in this attacks." He said that the police had not found any suspects and that no one had yet claimed responsibility for the attack. Haider indicated that it was likely to be the work of terrorists opposed to the US war on terror and President Musharraf's crackdown on religious extremism. "I guess it is people who want to give a message to the West and those people who are against this war against terrorism and they are perturbed about the very strong policies pursued by President Musharraf on this issue," he said. According to him, the choice of target indicated that the attack was intended to send a message. "There are many churches around Islamabad and Rawalpindi but this one was chosen because many Western countries' diplomats and other people come and have their service here," he said. Lt. Col Masroor of the Special Army Monitoring Team while briefing the Federal Minister for Minorities, S K Tresslor, in Islamabad said, "perhaps the terrorist also died in the attack." Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar said in Lahore that the attack was "another manifestation of extremism on part of some misled people." Asked to comment on whether the attack was the work of proscribed groups, he said that the government had already banned them and seized their accounts and it was not possible for them to retaliate in such a short time. However, Law Minister Khalid Ranjha commenting on the incident said, the involvement of foreign hand cannot be ruled out. Commenting on the attack, US President George W Bush said, "I am outraged by the terrorist attack that took place today in Islamabad, Pakistan against innocent civilians. I strongly condemn them as acts of murder that cannot be tolerated by any person of conscience nor justified by any cause."
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March - 17 
The Jamaat-Ulema-e-Islam (JuI- Fazlur Rahman faction) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman was released from the Chashma Rest House, Dera Ismail Khan, on March 17 ending his six-month detention. He was put under house arrest in October 2001 soon after the US air strikes against Afghanistan commenced. "Labell
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The Jamaat-Ulema-e-Islam (JuI- Fazlur Rahman faction) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman was released from the Chashma Rest House, Dera Ismail Khan, on March 17 ending his six-month detention. He was put under house arrest in October 2001 soon after the US air strikes against Afghanistan commenced. "Labelling all the religious parties and groups as extremists by itself is an extreme step, which should be avoided," the Maulana said while talking to a Pakistani daily, The News, after his release. His release has led to the JuI cancelling its public protest scheduled for March 22.
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March - 17 
Foreign Minister Abdus Sattar said in Lahore on March 17 that Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Omar Sheikh, prime suspect in the abduction cum murder case of US journalist Daniel Pearl will be interrogated in Pakistan. “We have decided in principle to investigate Sheikh Omar in Pakistan for which fo
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Foreign Minister Abdus Sattar said in Lahore on March 17 that Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Omar Sheikh, prime suspect in the abduction cum murder case of US journalist Daniel Pearl will be interrogated in Pakistan. “We have decided in principle to investigate Sheikh Omar in Pakistan for which foreign agencies including Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are collaborating in the inquiry of the murder of Daniel Pearl” said Sattar. He pointed out that the presence of Omar was “extremely necessary in Pakistan till inquiry against him is completed.”
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March - 18 
Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood, the Pakistani nuclear scientist under investigation for his alleged links to Osama bin Laden’s Al Qaeda terror network has admitted to meeting both bin Laden and Taliban leader Mullah Omar. Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood, former Director General of the Pakistan Atomic Energy
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Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood, the Pakistani nuclear scientist under investigation for his alleged links to Osama bin Laden’s Al Qaeda terror network has admitted to meeting both bin Laden and Taliban leader Mullah Omar. Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood, former Director General of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), who formed the UmmahTamir-e-Nau (UTN) in March 2000 in an interview to Pakistani daily The News on March 18 said "I have never been in contact with any local militants or the al-Qaeda terrorists. But I did meet Mulla Omar, members of his council of ministers as well as Osama bin Laden only to seek their co-operation in pursuing the goals of my organisation". According to him, "I met Osama to seek $3 million for manpower and land development projects in Afghanistan but he refused any help saying all of his accounts were frozen.". replying to a question on the kind of nuclear technology Laden possesses, he said, "I have no idea. It is highly sophisticated technology, not child's play. You require hi-tech storage, launching and delivery devices."
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March - 18 
The Federal government has set up two high-powered committees to investigate the March 17 terrorist attack on a church in Islamabad in which five persons were killed and 40 others injured, said Interior Secretary Tasneem Noorani on March 18. Separately, the Federal Law Minister Khalid Ranja while
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The Federal government has set up two high-powered committees to investigate the March 17 terrorist attack on a church in Islamabad in which five persons were killed and 40 others injured, said Interior Secretary Tasneem Noorani on March 18. Separately, the Federal Law Minister Khalid Ranja while condemning the terrorist attack reportedly claimed that there were strong indications that Indian intelligence agencies had carried out the attack.
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March - 19 
Jameel Ahmed, spokesperson for the Jamiat-ul-Mujahideen (JuM), while indicating that elections in J&K would not resolve the Kashmir issue, added that terrorist operations would continue in the State. "Jamiat is formulating a programme along with other like-minded groups to thwart so-called polls in
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Jameel Ahmed, spokesperson for the Jamiat-ul-Mujahideen (JuM), while indicating that elections in J&K would not resolve the Kashmir issue, added that terrorist operations would continue in the State. "Jamiat is formulating a programme along with other like-minded groups to thwart so-called polls in held Kashmir," Ahmed said. He said, "elimination" of activists of the ruling National Conference (NC) party was the initial phase of this programme. Another terrorist group, the Islamic Front, said on the same day that separatist leaders would be forbidden from participating in elections in Kashmir. "We will never forgive those who will take part in Indian polls," the group's publicity chief Arif Jehangir warned.
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March - 19 
The Punjab unit chief of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), Hafiz Muhammad Idrees alleged in Lahore ,on March 19, that government agencies were involved in the current wave of terrorism in Pakistan. Speaking at a press conference, he said terrorist acts might be aimed at delaying the general elections and v
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The Punjab unit chief of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), Hafiz Muhammad Idrees alleged in Lahore ,on March 19, that government agencies were involved in the current wave of terrorism in Pakistan. Speaking at a press conference, he said terrorist acts might be aimed at delaying the general elections and validating a referendum for the Presidentship of Pervez Musharraf.
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March - 20 
President Pervez Musharraf announced, on March 20, the revamping of intelligence bodies and the creation of special anti-terrorist units within the national security organisations. Announcing the Cabinet decisions, Information Minister Nisar Memon said, in Islamabad, the meeting also approved, in pr
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President Pervez Musharraf announced, on March 20, the revamping of intelligence bodies and the creation of special anti-terrorist units within the national security organisations. Announcing the Cabinet decisions, Information Minister Nisar Memon said, in Islamabad, the meeting also approved, in principle, the draft of the Police Ordinance-2002 which is intended to replace the Police Act-1961. The Minister said special anti-terrorist units are being created within the national security organisations to deal with terrorism that has surfaced following "the government's successful handling of the post-September 11 events and its effective and principled policy to join the international coalition in the fight against terrorism." Referring to the need for revamping intelligence institutions, President Musharraf informed the Cabinet that the newly created anti-terrorist units should play a pro-active role to provide the necessary support for enhanced vigilance.
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March - 22 
According to Pakistani media reports, a key terror suspect has fled Indonesia for Pakistan. Police in Jakarta were unaware of his whereabouts until Malaysian officials informed them. Indonesian-born Hambali is alleged to be responsible for an attempt to bomb US targets in Jakarta in the year 2001. I
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According to Pakistani media reports, a key terror suspect has fled Indonesia for Pakistan. Police in Jakarta were unaware of his whereabouts until Malaysian officials informed them. Indonesian-born Hambali is alleged to be responsible for an attempt to bomb US targets in Jakarta in the year 2001. Indonesia's national police spokesperson Saleh Saaf said on March 22 that they had to rely on Malaysian authorities to alert them that Hambali had left the country. "We received information from the Malaysian authorities that Hambali had fled the country (Indonesia) to Pakistan," Saaf added. Malaysia and Singapore have named Hambali along with Indonesian Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Bashir as being leaders of the Islamist Jemaah Islamiah group.
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March - 22 
Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Omar Sheikh and 10 others were charge sheeted by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Karachi, on March 22, for their alleged involvement in the abduction-cum-murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl. The State counsel said whatever Omar had stated before the court would
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Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Omar Sheikh and 10 others were charge sheeted by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Karachi, on March 22, for their alleged involvement in the abduction-cum-murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl. The State counsel said whatever Omar had stated before the court would be held against him despite the fact that he did not say anything on oath. As reported earlier, on his first production before the ATC, Omar had admitted having masterminded the abduction of Pearl. Sindh Advocate General (AG) Raja Qureshi made this statement after attending the pre-trial proceedings. The police submitted an interim charge sheet of the case and produced principal accused Omar Sheikh and his accomplice Adil Sheikh before the judge. On the AG’s request, the court allowed the police time till March 29 to file the final charge sheet and remanded both the accused to judicial custody till that date. Meanwhile, Raja Qureshi was quoted as saying that Omar cannot be extradited to the US in the near future as he has been charged with the abduction and murder of Daniel Pearl. "Once a trial commences, then the person cannot be extradited unless the trial has been concluded and, if convicted, he has served out the sentence," he said.
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March - 22 
The Muttahida Jehad Council (MJC), a conglomeration of 13 Pakistan-based terrorist groups, on March 22, accused National Kashmir Committee (NKC) Chairman Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan of creating "misgivings" between the terrorists and the people of Kashmir and asked him to avoid making "controversial st
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The Muttahida Jehad Council (MJC), a conglomeration of 13 Pakistan-based terrorist groups, on March 22, accused National Kashmir Committee (NKC) Chairman Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan of creating "misgivings" between the terrorists and the people of Kashmir and asked him to avoid making "controversial statements". "India has been trying in vain since long to create misgivings between the Mujahideen and the freedom seeking Kashmiris, but it seems that this task has now been taken up by the NKC chairman," a MJC spokesperson said in a statement released from Muzaffarabad. Sardar Qayyum was appointed NKC Chairman in January 2002.
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March - 23 
Media reports on March 23, quoting the United States (US) government’s official, said Pakistan has agreed to hand over Ahmed Omar Sheikh for trial to the former after Pakistan has finished its own legal formalities. The US State Department’s official reportedly said, "We've worked out our difference
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Media reports on March 23, quoting the United States (US) government’s official, said Pakistan has agreed to hand over Ahmed Omar Sheikh for trial to the former after Pakistan has finished its own legal formalities. The US State Department’s official reportedly said, "We've worked out our differences with Pakistan,". Pakistan has been reluctant to do so, allegedly, due to the refusal of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), the Pakistani external intelligence agency to co-operate on the matter, the report added.
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March - 23 
The President, General Pervez Musharraf in his Pakistan day address to the nation repeated his oft-quoted ‘warning’ to India that the latter should refrain from any ‘aggressive’ designs against Pakistan. Taking the pledge to ‘come down heavily’ on the terrorists, he announced that Pakistan has a pow
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The President, General Pervez Musharraf in his Pakistan day address to the nation repeated his oft-quoted ‘warning’ to India that the latter should refrain from any ‘aggressive’ designs against Pakistan. Taking the pledge to ‘come down heavily’ on the terrorists, he announced that Pakistan has a powerful Armed forces capable taking on any aggression. He said to the people of Pakistan, "Your armed forces are fully capable of handling any situation on the borders. Our resolve is strong and morale is high, as we face the task of defence of our motherland". Taking the familiar Pakistani establishment position he said, "Our basic stand is that the core issue of Kashmir and all other matters must be settled amicably and peacefully through parleys, but if India has aggressive designs it should not remain under any sort of misconception as Pakistan possesses a powerful military". He also reiterated his ‘resolve’ to fight terrorism saying "We have resolved to root out terrorism from the country and any person found involved in such evil activities would be given harsh and exemplary punishment". He added, "The anti-terrorism drive launched throughout the country would continue until terrorism is eradicated."
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March - 26 
A Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) based leader of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) has denied Indian reports that he has given $100,000 to any person for Yasin Malik, chief of the JKLF and executive member of the separatist alliance All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC). Altaf Qadri, who i
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A Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) based leader of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) has denied Indian reports that he has given $100,000 to any person for Yasin Malik, chief of the JKLF and executive member of the separatist alliance All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC). Altaf Qadri, who is also the secretary-general of the PoK chapter of the APHC, claimed that the allegations were aimed at "maligning the freedom movement and its leaders." In an interview to Dawn, a Pakistani daily, he said that he had not travelled to Nepal for over six years, and, therefore "there was no question of giving money to anyone in Kathmandu. Even I do not know any Shazia Begum." As reported earlier, Shazia Begum was one of the two persons arrested on March 25 at Kud, on the Srinagar Jammu highway in the State of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Police in J&K had seized $100,000 from Shazia.
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March - 27 
Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said on March 27 that one of the five people killed in a grenade attack on a church in Islamabad on March 17 was probably the assailant himself. "A grenade has only one ounce of explosive and small splinters which pierce your body, but in this case the whole body d
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Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said on March 27 that one of the five people killed in a grenade attack on a church in Islamabad on March 17 was probably the assailant himself. "A grenade has only one ounce of explosive and small splinters which pierce your body, but in this case the whole body disintegrated… We are not sure whether he was a suicide bomber or whether somebody had trapped him, without his knowing it," said Haider. Although he did not indicate which terrorist group was responsible for the attack he pointed out that the suicide bomber "very probably came from Pakistan or neighbouring countries."
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March - 30 
According to a media report, more than 270 doctors including a majority of them from Sindh, had been killed by terrorists thus far through target shootings in the country. This was stated by Abu Inam, President of Sindh High Court Bar Association, while speaking at a peace conference in Islamabad on
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According to a media report, more than 270 doctors including a majority of them from Sindh, had been killed by terrorists thus far through target shootings in the country. This was stated by Abu Inam, President of Sindh High Court Bar Association, while speaking at a peace conference in Islamabad on March 30.
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April - 2 
President Musharraf said in Kabul on April 2 that Pakistan had arrested a man believed to be Abu Zubayda and handed him over to the United States. Musharraf indicated that although he believed the man handed over was Zubayda, he could not be "one hundred percent sure." He added "but whoever it was t
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President Musharraf said in Kabul on April 2 that Pakistan had arrested a man believed to be Abu Zubayda and handed him over to the United States. Musharraf indicated that although he believed the man handed over was Zubayda, he could not be "one hundred percent sure." He added "but whoever it was taken in, the al-Qaeda members have been handed over."
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April - 2 
The White House confirmed that one of the dozens of prisoners captured on March 28 in Faisalabad, Pakistan, was Abu Zubayda. “We believe that one of the individuals captured by Pakistani authorities in a recent raid is Abu Zubayda who, as you know, is a key terrorist recruiter and regional planner a
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The White House confirmed that one of the dozens of prisoners captured on March 28 in Faisalabad, Pakistan, was Abu Zubayda. “We believe that one of the individuals captured by Pakistani authorities in a recent raid is Abu Zubayda who, as you know, is a key terrorist recruiter and regional planner and member of Osama bin Laden’s inner circle,” said White House spokesperson Ari Fleischer.
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April - 12 
Separate reports said Omar Sheikh has moved a contempt of court application against the President General Pervez Musharraf for his reported statement during an interview with a German weekly magazine ‘Der Spiegel'. Mushrraf had reportedly said, "I want to see him (Omar) sentenced to death" and "If c
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Separate reports said Omar Sheikh has moved a contempt of court application against the President General Pervez Musharraf for his reported statement during an interview with a German weekly magazine ‘Der Spiegel'. Mushrraf had reportedly said, "I want to see him (Omar) sentenced to death" and "If convicted, he should be hanged in the country in which he committed the crime." The application was filed before the same court.
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April - 13 
A government spokesman on April 13 said that the President, General Musharraf's statement during an interview given to a German weekly magazine 'Der Speigel' was misquoted by the defence counsel of Omar Shaikh, the prime accused in the Daniel Pearl abduction and murder case. He said the President ha
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A government spokesman on April 13 said that the President, General Musharraf's statement during an interview given to a German weekly magazine 'Der Speigel' was misquoted by the defence counsel of Omar Shaikh, the prime accused in the Daniel Pearl abduction and murder case. He said the President had never told the periodical that he wanted the accused to receive capital punishment. Omar had earlier moved a contempt of court petition was against Musharraf for the same reason, as reported on April 13. The spokesman reportedly said "There can't be a demand from anyone to proceed against an accused one way or the other. The claim is baseless."
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April - 13 
Quoting a Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) press release, media reports said the MQM chief Altaf Hussain has urged the President General Pervez Musharraf to grant ‘complete’ autonomy to smaller provinces, including Sindh. Addressing the cadres on telephone simultaneously in Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurk
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Quoting a Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) press release, media reports said the MQM chief Altaf Hussain has urged the President General Pervez Musharraf to grant ‘complete’ autonomy to smaller provinces, including Sindh. Addressing the cadres on telephone simultaneously in Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Nawabshah, Sukkur, Sanghar, Thatta, Badin, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Larkana and Dadu on April 13, he said this is the first thing which should be done and that other reforms announced by him can wait. He also reportedly asked him not to impose ‘outsiders’ on the Province.
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April - 14 
The US officials are convinced that Osama is hiding somewhere along the border between the two countries. Interim Afghan Foreign Minister also said on April 14 that he also believed Osama was alive and living somewhere on the borders of Afghanistan, the report added.
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The US officials are convinced that Osama is hiding somewhere along the border between the two countries. Interim Afghan Foreign Minister also said on April 14 that he also believed Osama was alive and living somewhere on the borders of Afghanistan, the report added.
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April - 15 
The government on April 14 rejected the report that Osama had crossed into Pakistan or that the US had sought permission to tack him down in Pakistan. Foreign Office spokesman Aziz Khan, at a weekly briefing at the Foreign Office, said, "No such request had been made. We have a record of apprehendin
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The government on April 14 rejected the report that Osama had crossed into Pakistan or that the US had sought permission to tack him down in Pakistan. Foreign Office spokesman Aziz Khan, at a weekly briefing at the Foreign Office, said, "No such request had been made. We have a record of apprehending terrorists who cross over from Afghanistan. We would continue to chase the terrorists who might try and seek refuge here. On several occasions the US at the highest level has expressed its satisfaction with the government of Pakistan and the way Pakistan is co-operating in countering terrorism. There is no need for outside force. We are sharing intelligence and information only". He, however, admitted that Osama’s right-hand man, Abu Zubayda had been arrested in Pakistan.
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April - 17 
The Deputy Convenor of the coordination committee of the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Aftab Ahmad Shaikh, said on April 17 that the police were committing excesses on his party workers and adopting measures hindering the party's April 19 solidarity meeting in Karachi. He said through the Sindh Sol
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The Deputy Convenor of the coordination committee of the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Aftab Ahmad Shaikh, said on April 17 that the police were committing excesses on his party workers and adopting measures hindering the party's April 19 solidarity meeting in Karachi. He said through the Sindh Solidarity Convention, the MQM would prove that it had roots in the masses, and it continues to plead the case of Sindh and its people.
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April - 19 
Separate reports said the Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf on April 19 denied that he had got any such information. He said that he was not informed by any American official about the presence of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan after his escape from Afghanistan. While talking to a Pakistani d
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Separate reports said the Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf on April 19 denied that he had got any such information. He said that he was not informed by any American official about the presence of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan after his escape from Afghanistan. While talking to a Pakistani daily in Islamabad he said "Neither Christina Rocca nor any body else has ever mentioned such a thing (presence of OBL in Pakistan) to me in their telephonic talks or meetings with me".
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April - 23 
Media reports quoting a United Jehad Council (UJC) spokesman on April 23 said the latter flayed the outcome of the Dubai meeting of moderate leaders from India and Pakistan, which advocated non-violence and peaceful political means to address the Kashmir ‘issue’. UJC is a Pakistan-based umbrella org
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Media reports quoting a United Jehad Council (UJC) spokesman on April 23 said the latter flayed the outcome of the Dubai meeting of moderate leaders from India and Pakistan, which advocated non-violence and peaceful political means to address the Kashmir ‘issue’. UJC is a Pakistan-based umbrella organisation of 14 terrorist outfits active in Kashmir. All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) leaders from India, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Abdul Gani Lone, had held talks with Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) Committee chairman Abdul Qayyum on April 15 and 16. While speaking in Muzaffarbad, the capital of PoK, after a meeting of the UJC chaired by its chairman and chief of the Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), Saeed Salahuddin, the spokesman said ,’By counseling to give up the armed struggle and adopt peaceful political means to address Kashmir issue, they are in fact furthering the interests of the enemy and committing an act of treason with the sacrifices of 80,000 martyrs of Kashmir.’ He also said that the ‘target-oriented’ attack would continue in Kashmir to further the cause of ‘Jihad’.
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May - 2 
The Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) indicated on May 2 that a dialogue process could be held with India. Saleem Hashmi, HM spokesperson, said "Armed struggle and peace talks could go side by side…Cease-fire cannot be made [the] basis for dialogue. War and dialogue can go side by side." His remarks came afte
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The Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) indicated on May 2 that a dialogue process could be held with India. Saleem Hashmi, HM spokesperson, said "Armed struggle and peace talks could go side by side…Cease-fire cannot be made [the] basis for dialogue. War and dialogue can go side by side." His remarks came after the group's ‘Deputy Commander’, Moin-ul-Islam, said the HM would give up arms if India began a "genuine" peace process. "Once India takes an initiative with good intentions, she will find us 10 steps ahead of her one step. We will at once give up guns and observe a real cease-fire so that a solution-finding path receives headway," said Moin.
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May - 4 
Speaking in Rawalpindi on May 4, Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said the police operation against the Mutahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM), in which 75 activists were reportedly arrested, was a step of the government towards uprooting the weapon culture from the country. He said, "Terrorism was promot
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Speaking in Rawalpindi on May 4, Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said the police operation against the Mutahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM), in which 75 activists were reportedly arrested, was a step of the government towards uprooting the weapon culture from the country. He said, "Terrorism was promoted in this region because of the easy availability of the weapons," adding "the government will never allow anybody to keep or show weapons publicly."
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May - 5 
A report in the Newsweek quoting the Afghan chief of military intelligence, Hazrat Uddin, has indicated that he has received "credible reports" that Osama bin Laden and his top lieutenant Ayman al Zawahiri, were seen inside Pakistan. Separately, a second Afghan commander, Kamal Khan Zadran, opined i
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A report in the Newsweek quoting the Afghan chief of military intelligence, Hazrat Uddin, has indicated that he has received "credible reports" that Osama bin Laden and his top lieutenant Ayman al Zawahiri, were seen inside Pakistan. Separately, a second Afghan commander, Kamal Khan Zadran, opined in the report that he thinks Osama's cadres are attempting to keep him safe inside Pakistan.
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May - 5 
According to media reports quoting a spokesperson for the regional warlord Abdul Rashid Dostam, 300 suspected Pakistani Taliban cadres are to be released from a prison in northern Afghanistan. "This was agreed during General Dostam’s recent visit to Kabul when he held discussions with Karzai," said
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According to media reports quoting a spokesperson for the regional warlord Abdul Rashid Dostam, 300 suspected Pakistani Taliban cadres are to be released from a prison in northern Afghanistan. "This was agreed during General Dostam’s recent visit to Kabul when he held discussions with Karzai," said Dostam’s spokesperson Faizullah Zaki. The prisoners are among a group of 800 Pakistanis being detained at the Sherbarghan prison near Mazar-i-Sharif, Zaki added.
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May - 6 
Pakistani on May 6 strongly denied media reports that Osama bin Laden was hiding anywhere inside its territory. Foreign Office spokesperson Aziz Khan said at a weekly briefing that they had no way of ascertaining "whether bin Laden was alive or not, but if he was alive then he would be most probably
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Pakistani on May 6 strongly denied media reports that Osama bin Laden was hiding anywhere inside its territory. Foreign Office spokesperson Aziz Khan said at a weekly briefing that they had no way of ascertaining "whether bin Laden was alive or not, but if he was alive then he would be most probably be inside Afghanistan."
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May - 8 
According to media reports, France’s Chief of Staff Gen. Jean-Pierre Kelche said it is the "official" French belief that the Al Qaeda was responsible for carrying out the May 8-suicide bomb attack in Karachi in which 16 persons, including 12 French nationals, were killed. "It's a little early to say
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According to media reports, France’s Chief of Staff Gen. Jean-Pierre Kelche said it is the "official" French belief that the Al Qaeda was responsible for carrying out the May 8-suicide bomb attack in Karachi in which 16 persons, including 12 French nationals, were killed. "It's a little early to say, but there is a significant likelihood" of Al Qaeda involvement in the attack, Gen. Kelche said. Meanwhile, Michele Alliot-Marie, the French Defence Minister, has been asked by President Jacques Chirac to take all measures necessary on the ground to ensure that French nationals in Pakistan are better protected against such attacks.
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May - 10 
According to media reports, police on May 10 claimed to have found a clue to three suspects allegedly involved in the May 8-Karachi suicide bombing, in which 16 persons, including 11 French nationals, were killed. Sindh Police chief Syed Kamal Shah said during a press conference that they had not as
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According to media reports, police on May 10 claimed to have found a clue to three suspects allegedly involved in the May 8-Karachi suicide bombing, in which 16 persons, including 11 French nationals, were killed. Sindh Police chief Syed Kamal Shah said during a press conference that they had not ascertained any Al Qaeda connection in the suicide bombing thus far. According to him, the three suspects had purchased the car, used during the blast, on May 7.
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May - 12 
The Afghan Embassy has protested the crackdown on immigrants. "We are very much concerned on the arrest of our citizens as they were living here peacefully for the last 23 years. We don't know what caused the police to take such an extreme step," Abdul Jabbar Naeemi, a diplomat at the Afghan Embassy
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The Afghan Embassy has protested the crackdown on immigrants. "We are very much concerned on the arrest of our citizens as they were living here peacefully for the last 23 years. We don't know what caused the police to take such an extreme step," Abdul Jabbar Naeemi, a diplomat at the Afghan Embassy said on May 12. Police sources said they were arresting only those Afghans without refugee status and who had violated immigration laws or committed other crimes. Sources added that by May 12, 416 Afghans had been arrested in Islamabad and nearby Rawalpindi in a crackdown that began on May 10.
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May - 14 
At a press conference in Vehari, Superintendent of Police (SP) Javed identified one of the slain terrorists as Riaz Basra. He said Riaz Basra's identity was established by one of his accomplices, Kashif, who is under detention for his alleged involvement in a sectarian killing in Lodhran, Lahore. Ka
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At a press conference in Vehari, Superintendent of Police (SP) Javed identified one of the slain terrorists as Riaz Basra. He said Riaz Basra's identity was established by one of his accomplices, Kashif, who is under detention for his alleged involvement in a sectarian killing in Lodhran, Lahore. Kashif is also reported to have identified another slain terrorist as Shakeel alias Hamza, who was facing charges of killing a police officer in Lahore. SP Javed said that Basra carried a headmoney of Rs 500,000.
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May - 18 
As a response, on May 18, Pakistan asked Qazi to leave his post . A spokesman of the Pakistan Foreign Office, in a statement, said Islamabad would continue to "work for the de-escalation of tensions'' with India and work as a member of the international coalition against global terrorism.
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As a response, on May 18, Pakistan asked Qazi to leave his post . A spokesman of the Pakistan Foreign Office, in a statement, said Islamabad would continue to "work for the de-escalation of tensions'' with India and work as a member of the international coalition against global terrorism.
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May - 21 
According to a media report, the Pakistani government has strongly condemned the assassination of All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) leader Abdul Ghani Lone in Jammu and Kashmir on May 21. Additional Secretary, South Asia Desk, at the Foreign Office, Kamran Niaz read out a statement condemning the
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According to a media report, the Pakistani government has strongly condemned the assassination of All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) leader Abdul Ghani Lone in Jammu and Kashmir on May 21. Additional Secretary, South Asia Desk, at the Foreign Office, Kamran Niaz read out a statement condemning the murder of Lone. He claimed that the killing was "another instance of excesses of the Indian military inside occupied Kashmir…We condemn this attack. Only last month the Shiv Sina had carried out an attack on Abdul Ghani Lone. We are saddened by his death and condole with his family, the APHC leaders and all Kashmiris."
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May - 27 
China said on May 27 that Pakistan had handed over a front-ranking leader of Chinese Muslim separatists who fought alongside the Taliban militia. It said another 400 suspected separatists had been captured in Afghanistan or on their return to China. Ismail Kadir, who China says helped spearhead a se
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China said on May 27 that Pakistan had handed over a front-ranking leader of Chinese Muslim separatists who fought alongside the Taliban militia. It said another 400 suspected separatists had been captured in Afghanistan or on their return to China. Ismail Kadir, who China says helped spearhead a separatist Uighur movement in the north-western region of Xinjiang, was arrested by Pakistan authorities as he reportedly attended a secret meeting in Kashmir, Xinjiang's Communist Party Secretary said. "There were 10 people in charge of the East Turkestan forces and Ismail Kadir was caught and is right now in our hands," said Wang Lequan. He also said that that China had helped Pakistan confirm his identity.
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May - 28 
According to a report in Dawn, a Pakistani daily, senior Inter Services Intelligence (ISI, Pakistan’s external intelligence agency), officials said in an interview on May 28 that senior Al Qaeda leaders are not concentrated along the Afghanistan borders as the US officials claim, instead, they have
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According to a report in Dawn, a Pakistani daily, senior Inter Services Intelligence (ISI, Pakistan’s external intelligence agency), officials said in an interview on May 28 that senior Al Qaeda leaders are not concentrated along the Afghanistan borders as the US officials claim, instead, they have filtered across Pakistan into major cities. In an interview with New York Times at the ISI headquarters in Islamabad, these unnamed officials said "the battle at hand may be one for Pakistan itself." "Broadly speaking there is an anti-West, anti-American movement now in Pakistan…There could be danger to individuals. Terror strikes people. It could hit the president, or anyone," a senior ISI official told the paper. These senior officials reportedly dismissed the American view that Taliban and Al Qaeda leaders have regrouped in remote areas on the border after being driven out of Afghanistan by American-led forces. While referring to cross-border terrorism, one of the officials reportedly acknowledged that Pakistan had supported various terrorist groups active in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir
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May - 29 
Federal Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said in Islamabad on May 29 that Pakistan has a list of 32 Indians who are reportedly involved in crimes against that country. Addressing a press conference, he said that Pakistan was not involved in terrorist infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir and claimed t
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Federal Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said in Islamabad on May 29 that Pakistan has a list of 32 Indians who are reportedly involved in crimes against that country. Addressing a press conference, he said that Pakistan was not involved in terrorist infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir and claimed that the military regime had taken concrete steps to stop cross-border terrorism. Commenting on Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh’s statement regarding the presence of terrorist camps in Pakistan the Minister said "I would urge India to see whether the infiltration from Azad Kashmir [Pakistan occupied Kashmir] had decreased this year as compared to last year or increased". Responding to a question about India’s demand of handing over 20 Pakistanis, he said, "If they can demand our nationals we can also demand these 32 terrorists".
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June - 4 
Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) chief Syed Salahuddin said, on June 4, in Rawalpindi, Kashmiris had "every right to move across the Line of Control (LoC) and no one could stop them." He also said terrorist operations would continue in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) despite international efforts
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Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) chief Syed Salahuddin said, on June 4, in Rawalpindi, Kashmiris had "every right to move across the Line of Control (LoC) and no one could stop them." He also said terrorist operations would continue in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) despite international efforts to avert a war between India and Pakistan. Salahuddin said his group still favoured a political settlement to the Kashmir issue but insisted on the inclusion of Pakistan in any dialogue process.
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June - 5 
Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said approximately 154,000 illegal weapons were recovered during the campaign launched for the recovery of illegal weapons under the government's de-weaponisation process which will complete its first year on June 5, today.
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Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said approximately 154,000 illegal weapons were recovered during the campaign launched for the recovery of illegal weapons under the government's de-weaponisation process which will complete its first year on June 5, today.
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June - 10 
Indian media reports said, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, in a statement to Parliament on June 10, said Britain accepted a clear link between Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) directorate and groups such as the Lashkar-e Toiba (LeT), Jash-e Mohammed and (JeM) and Harkat-ul Mujahide
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Indian media reports said, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, in a statement to Parliament on June 10, said Britain accepted a clear link between Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) directorate and groups such as the Lashkar-e Toiba (LeT), Jash-e Mohammed and (JeM) and Harkat-ul Mujahideen (HuM). He also underlined the international diplomatic pressure on General Musharraf "to take visible, decisive and verifiable steps to seal the Line of Control; to stop supplies to militant groups; to help restrain the violent activities of these groups; and to close the militant training camps on Pakistan’s side of the Line of Control". This was perhaps the first time that any senior Minister of any government anywhere in the world had officially pin-pointed a ‘clear link’ between the ISI and Kashmiri terrorists, reports pointed. Straw, who said he personally asked the Pakistan President for assurances on cross-border terrorism during his visit in May 2002, added, "international efforts against terrorism and the Kashmir crisis will be an important agenda item for the meeting of G8 foreign ministers in Whistler, Western Canada, later this week"
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June - 10 
The Muttahida Jehad Council (MJC), a conglomeration of Pakistan-based terrorist groups, on June 10 condemned the arrest of senior executive member of the separatist alliance All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Syed Ali Shah Geelani and his son-in-law by Indian security agencies on June 9. "Muttahid
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The Muttahida Jehad Council (MJC), a conglomeration of Pakistan-based terrorist groups, on June 10 condemned the arrest of senior executive member of the separatist alliance All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Syed Ali Shah Geelani and his son-in-law by Indian security agencies on June 9. "Muttahida Jihad Council strongly condemns the arrest of the popular leader of the freedom movement, Syed Ali Geelani, and his son-in-law, Altaf Ahmed Shah, under the black law, Pota," said the alliance in a statement. The MJC also rejected and termed baseless allegations that Geelani was getting money from the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) for distribution among the group's commanders in Jammu and Kashmir.
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June - 11 
Syed Salahuddin, chief of the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), said the Line of Control (LoC) is not a permanent border and crossing the border is the basic right of Kashmiris. In an interview on June 11, he said, "We are not bound to accept all the obligation which the government of Pakistan has [taken] un
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Syed Salahuddin, chief of the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), said the Line of Control (LoC) is not a permanent border and crossing the border is the basic right of Kashmiris. In an interview on June 11, he said, "We are not bound to accept all the obligation which the government of Pakistan has [taken] under the international pressure."
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June - 13 
According to the US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Washington has no evidence about the presence of Al Qaeda terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). He said this while addressing a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar in Islamabad on June 13. According to him, "The informatio
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According to the US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Washington has no evidence about the presence of Al Qaeda terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). He said this while addressing a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar in Islamabad on June 13. According to him, "The information on this matter is a scrap of intelligence, and people say they believe al-Qaeda people are in Kashmir or in various locations…I do not have the evidence of al-Qaeda militants operating in Kashmir, as it tends to be speculative...it is not actionable...it is not verifiable. The US has no such evidence of al-Qaeda presence."
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June - 13 
Chief of Jamaat-e-Islam (JeI), Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) unit, Abdul Rasheed Turabi said the Pakistan government would not be able to fulfill its commitments made to the international community of stopping the Kashmiris from crossing the Line of Control (LoC). In an interview to the Voice of A
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Chief of Jamaat-e-Islam (JeI), Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) unit, Abdul Rasheed Turabi said the Pakistan government would not be able to fulfill its commitments made to the international community of stopping the Kashmiris from crossing the Line of Control (LoC). In an interview to the Voice of America, he said the ‘Kashmir movement’ was not dependent on the Indian allegation of infiltration. "It is purely an indigenous struggle for the right to self-determination according to the UN Charter," he said.
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June - 13 
Pakistan on June 13 denied claims by visiting US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld that Al Qaeda terrorists were operating in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. "It is absolutely incorrect," said military regime spokesperson Rashid Qureshi. According to him, "frankly there is no substance in thi
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Pakistan on June 13 denied claims by visiting US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld that Al Qaeda terrorists were operating in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. "It is absolutely incorrect," said military regime spokesperson Rashid Qureshi. According to him, "frankly there is no substance in this whatsoever. We don't know where this information has come from but it seems Indian propaganda is being believed… This is the typical Indian way to discredit the indigenous Kashmiri struggle for self-determination."
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June - 14 
According to media reports from Mirpur, June 15, former Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry on June 14 refuted allegation made by India about the existence of training camps for Kashmiri terrorists in PoK. He is also reported
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According to media reports from Mirpur, June 15, former Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry on June 14 refuted allegation made by India about the existence of training camps for Kashmiri terrorists in PoK. He is also reported to have warned India to refrain from taking any drastic steps against Pakistan or PoK and demanded an immediate increase in deployment numbers of existing UN Military Observers along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu & Kashmir.
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June - 14 
India on June 14 condemned the suicide attack on the US consulate in Karachi, in which an estimated 12 persons were killed and 51 others injured. "It is a very sad and a very regrettable incident that we condemn fully….I am really grieved and unhappy that yet another terrorist activity of a suicide
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India on June 14 condemned the suicide attack on the US consulate in Karachi, in which an estimated 12 persons were killed and 51 others injured. "It is a very sad and a very regrettable incident that we condemn fully….I am really grieved and unhappy that yet another terrorist activity of a suicide bomb variety has taken place in Karachi.," Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh told the media in New Delhi.
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June - 14 
Meanwhile, the United States on the same day, while condemning the terrorist attack outside its consulate in Karachi has closed down all its diplomatic missions in Pakistan as well as the American Centre in Islamabad. US President George W Bush said that "radical killers" were responsible for the te
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Meanwhile, the United States on the same day, while condemning the terrorist attack outside its consulate in Karachi has closed down all its diplomatic missions in Pakistan as well as the American Centre in Islamabad. US President George W Bush said that "radical killers" were responsible for the terrorist incident. In a statement from Houston, he said that, "we fight an enemy that are radical killers. That's what they are. They claim they're religious people and they blow up Muslims. They have no regard for individual life." Separately, White House spokesperson Ari Fleischer said that the bombing demonstrated the dangers terrorists continue to pose for the United States in the wake of the September 11, 2001 strikes on US landmarks.
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June - 14 
Separately, a hitherto unknown group calling itself Al Qanoon has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack. The group hand-delivered photocopies of its statement to media organisations on the same day. The hand-written message also reportedly included a warning of further attacks. However Sin
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Separately, a hitherto unknown group calling itself Al Qanoon has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack. The group hand-delivered photocopies of its statement to media organisations on the same day. The hand-written message also reportedly included a warning of further attacks. However Sindh province police chief, Syed Kamal Shah, said that they had not received a copy of the statement. The statement reportedly said, "America and its allies and its slave Pakistani rulers should prepare for more attacks. This bomb attack is just a beginning of al-Qanoon's jihadi operation in Pakistan."
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June - 17 
According to media reports, police have ruled out the possibility of suicide bombing in the June 14-bomb explosion near the US consulate in which 12 persons were killed and 51 others injured. Inspector General of Sindh Police Syed Kamal Shah said, on June 17, "So far, we have not found any evidence,
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According to media reports, police have ruled out the possibility of suicide bombing in the June 14-bomb explosion near the US consulate in which 12 persons were killed and 51 others injured. Inspector General of Sindh Police Syed Kamal Shah said, on June 17, "So far, we have not found any evidence, which could lead us to believe that it was a suicide bombing." He clarified that there was no difference of opinion between agents of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and local investigators. About the kind of bomb used in the attack, he said either a timer device was fitted to the explosive or a remote-controlled device was used to set off the bomb. He said police had not made any formal arrest, thus far, in this case. Shah, while not ruling out the possibility of the involvement of foreign hand, including people from Afghanistan, added Al Qaeda cadres might be present in Karachi and local groups might also have been involved.
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June - 17 
Meanwhile, Additional Home Secretary Rasheed Khan said, in Islamabad, on the same day, they have no definite evidence of the involvement of any proscribed groups in the Karachi blast. In an interview to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Khan said "There is no such evidence till now. Anyhow
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Meanwhile, Additional Home Secretary Rasheed Khan said, in Islamabad, on the same day, they have no definite evidence of the involvement of any proscribed groups in the Karachi blast. In an interview to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Khan said "There is no such evidence till now. Anyhow, it might have been carried out by any one of the terrorist organizations of Pakistan". Contrary to what the Sindh Inspector General of Police had said on the same day in Karachi, Rasheed Khan pointed out that "all the three attackers were suicide bombers and in such incidents the attackers himself die."
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June - 19 
Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) Prime Minister Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan said in Muzaffarabad on June 19 that there are no Al Qaeda terrorists or terrorist camps in the region. According to him, "The indigenous freedom struggled in held Kashmir was started by the Kashmiri people themselves and no f
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Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) Prime Minister Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan said in Muzaffarabad on June 19 that there are no Al Qaeda terrorists or terrorist camps in the region. According to him, "The indigenous freedom struggled in held Kashmir was started by the Kashmiri people themselves and no foreign country is involved in support of their freedom struggle."
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June - 19 
The Federal government on June 19 approved the promulgation of "Madrassah Registration Ordinance 2002" to regulate seminaries by bringing them under the normal educational system of the country. According to the ordinance, all madrassas would have to seek registration with the Pakistan Madrassah Edu
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The Federal government on June 19 approved the promulgation of "Madrassah Registration Ordinance 2002" to regulate seminaries by bringing them under the normal educational system of the country. According to the ordinance, all madrassas would have to seek registration with the Pakistan Madrassah Education Board and the respective Provincial Madrassah Education Boards. They have been prohibited from receiving Zakat (financial assistance), grant, donation or other benefits from the Federal government or provincial governments unless registered under the ordinance. Minister for Information and Media Development Nisar Memon said, in Islamabad, "One of the objectives of introducing this regulatory mechanism is to control those religious schools which had been subjected to militancy." Seminaries refusing to register themselves with education boards to be set up by the government would not be allowed to operate, the minister said. Media reports indicated that the ordinance approved at a cabinet meeting, presided over by President Pervez Musharraf, also decided that religious schools would facilitate teaching of science, mathematics, English and Urdu, providing an opportunity to the students to enroll in professional educational institutions if they desired. Every registered madrassa, according to the ordinance, would have to maintain accounts and submit an annual report to the respective education board. A registered seminary would not be allowed to receive any grant, donation or aid from any foreign source or allow admission to foreign students or make appointment of teachers without valid visa and No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Federal Interior Ministry. The minister said that all the four governors were asked to complete the registration process in six months time. Responding to a question, Nisar Memon said he could not ascertain the exact number of seminaries in the country. "But it seems that they run in thousands," he said, adding that it would take some time to know about the exact number of religious schools. He also said that the curriculum of religious schools would be similar to that of other educational institutions in Pakistan.
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June - 20 
According to a report in Dawn, a Pakistani daily, the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) on June 20 ruled out a cease-fire with India, by saying it did not consider the truce as a "pre-requisite for negotiations to resolve the long-standing problem." The group also said that its terrorist operations would cont
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According to a report in Dawn, a Pakistani daily, the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) on June 20 ruled out a cease-fire with India, by saying it did not consider the truce as a "pre-requisite for negotiations to resolve the long-standing problem." The group also said that its terrorist operations would continue in the State of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The HM comment was in response to the J&K separatist alliance All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Chairman Abdul Ghani Bhat’s statement in Srinagar on June 19 that the alliance wanted to travel to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) to meet terrorist leaders and negotiate a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue. HM ‘Supreme Commander’ Syed Salahuddin said that Bhat had not consulted him before floating the proposal.
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June - 21 
According to media report, the Jamaat-e-Islam (JeI) has rejected the newly promulgated ordinance on regulation of madrassas (seminaries). JeI chief Qazi Hussain Ahmed said that the ordinance is aimed at "dividing" the Muslim Ummah (community). Ahmed claimed that anti-Islamic elements have succeeded
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According to media report, the Jamaat-e-Islam (JeI) has rejected the newly promulgated ordinance on regulation of madrassas (seminaries). JeI chief Qazi Hussain Ahmed said that the ordinance is aimed at "dividing" the Muslim Ummah (community). Ahmed claimed that anti-Islamic elements have succeeded in their conspiracy and are implementing their agenda after prolonged attempts. He termed the government move as "an endeavour to implementing agenda given by foreign powers."
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June - 21 
Separately, the Jamaat-Ulema-e-Islam (JuI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has also criticised the ordinance, stating that his party would oppose the new laws and ban on foreign donations to religious institutions. In a press release issued from Peshawar on June 21, he said that the government had forme
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Separately, the Jamaat-Ulema-e-Islam (JuI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has also criticised the ordinance, stating that his party would oppose the new laws and ban on foreign donations to religious institutions. In a press release issued from Peshawar on June 21, he said that the government had formed a Madressah Board to end the autonomy of the religious institutions, but his party would never recognise the board. He alleged that the government was taking action against religious institutions to reportedly secure aid from western countries and other donor agencies
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June - 23 
According to a Paksitani media report, US Senate Intelligence Committee chief Senator Bob Graham said on June 23 that the US Administration believes Osama bin Laden is hiding in Pakistan. "Our best intelligence estimate continues to be that he is alive and probably someplace in those tribal areas on
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According to a Paksitani media report, US Senate Intelligence Committee chief Senator Bob Graham said on June 23 that the US Administration believes Osama bin Laden is hiding in Pakistan. "Our best intelligence estimate continues to be that he is alive and probably someplace in those tribal areas on the western side of Pakistan," Graham said in a television interview.
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June - 23 
Pakistani security agencies have reportedly identified the group responsible for the June 14 car bomb attack outside the US consulate in Karachi and will name them soon, Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said in Karachi on June 23. As reported earlier, 12 persons were killed and 51 others were inju
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Pakistani security agencies have reportedly identified the group responsible for the June 14 car bomb attack outside the US consulate in Karachi and will name them soon, Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said in Karachi on June 23. As reported earlier, 12 persons were killed and 51 others were injured in the blast. "We have identified the gang behind the blast but I don't want to name the group at this stage," said Haider, adding that they would be named in "two or three days". He also said, "… There are some links" between the June 14 blast and the May 8 blast outside Karachi's Sheraton hotel, which police believe was a suicide attack. The Minister warned that further attacks against foreigners were still possible.
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June - 23 
The Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) in a statement from Muzaffarabad said the proposed visit of Jammu and Kashmir’s separatist alliance, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) could imply a split because a series of high-profile APHC leaders had been arrested by India
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The Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) in a statement from Muzaffarabad said the proposed visit of Jammu and Kashmir’s separatist alliance, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) could imply a split because a series of high-profile APHC leaders had been arrested by India recently. HM chief Syed Salahuddin claimed "India is eliminating the sincere leaders in Kashmir through its agents and is imprisoning others. Initiation of the negotiation process by some Hurriyat leaders in such a set of circumstances would leave a question mark on the honour and dignity of the conglomerate."
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June - 25 
Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Amanullah Khan condemned in Islamabad, on June 25, President Pervez Musharraf's pledge to permanently end terrorist incursions into the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. The pledge was "the most shameful submission by Pakistan to Indian blackmail," sa
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Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Amanullah Khan condemned in Islamabad, on June 25, President Pervez Musharraf's pledge to permanently end terrorist incursions into the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. The pledge was "the most shameful submission by Pakistan to Indian blackmail," said Khan. The JKLF chief also warned against any attempt to permanently divide the State, saying it "would fight tooth and nail" any such attempt. The best solution to solve the Kashmir issue was granting complete independence, Khan opined.
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June - 26 
An umbrella organisation of madrassas in Pakistan, on June 26, rejected the Federal government's proposed "madaris education ordinance" and announced to resist its enforcement. As reported earlier, the government has made public a draft ordinance requiring all religious schools in the country to get
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An umbrella organisation of madrassas in Pakistan, on June 26, rejected the Federal government's proposed "madaris education ordinance" and announced to resist its enforcement. As reported earlier, the government has made public a draft ordinance requiring all religious schools in the country to get registered with the Federal and Provincial religious madaris boards within six months of the promulgation of the ordinance. The Coordination Committee of religious institutions organisation, which met in Islamabad, decided to observe June 28 as a nationwide protest day against the proposed ordinance. Later, speaking at a joint news conference, Maulana Hanif Jallendhri and Maulana Abdul Malik, chief of Jamiat Ittehadul Ulema, said almost 70 per cent of the religious institutions in the country were already registered under the 1860 Societies Act and more would be ready to do so. The religious leaders pointed out that the ordinance was a clear interference in the affairs of seminaries and their independence and dignity was at stake.
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June - 26 
Meanwhile, military regime spokesperson Rashid Qureshi said in Islamabad, on the same day, heavy enforcement was dispatched to the area where the SFs were carrying out operations on the basis of information passed on by US intelligence communication experts. He said the operation was still going on
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Meanwhile, military regime spokesperson Rashid Qureshi said in Islamabad, on the same day, heavy enforcement was dispatched to the area where the SFs were carrying out operations on the basis of information passed on by US intelligence communication experts. He said the operation was still going on and added that the exact number of Al Qaeda cadres killed could not be ascertained immediately. Qureshi, while pointing that no foreign troops were involved in any operation inside Pakistan, added that only intelligence communication experts of the US were assisting Pakistani SFs to interpret messages of Al Qaeda terrorists.
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June - 27 
In a major breakthrough in the investigation of the June 14-car bomb blast outside the US Consulate General in Karachi, two arrested activists of the proscribed Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), a Sunni group, Akram Lahori and Attaur Rehman alias Naim Bukhari, reportedly confessed to their involvement in the
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In a major breakthrough in the investigation of the June 14-car bomb blast outside the US Consulate General in Karachi, two arrested activists of the proscribed Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), a Sunni group, Akram Lahori and Attaur Rehman alias Naim Bukhari, reportedly confessed to their involvement in the blast. A media report quoting official sources said an official announcement in this regard was expected to be made in the next two or three days, probably by Federal Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider in Karachi. Two different teams of US Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) agents and a Pakistani Joint Interrogation Team (JIT) is reported to have interrogated Lahori and Rehman and declared them "black" in the US Consulate General bomb blast case. Sources disclosed that, during investigation both of them had reportedly confessed to their links with the Al Qaeda terror network and the Taliban. The accused also reportedly revealed to the investigators their other proposed targets, sources added.
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June - 27 
Pakistan has condemned India's decision to ban Dukhtaran-e-Milat or Daughters of the Nation (DeM), a secessionist group in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. The DeM, established in 1987, was proscribed on June 27 under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA). A statement issued by the Foreign Of
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Pakistan has condemned India's decision to ban Dukhtaran-e-Milat or Daughters of the Nation (DeM), a secessionist group in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. The DeM, established in 1987, was proscribed on June 27 under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA). A statement issued by the Foreign Office said, "it is a matter of grave concern for the government of Pakistan that the Indian forces continue their efforts to arrest Ms Aasiya Andrabi, head of the Dukhtaran-i-Millat and other leaders of the freedom movement."
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July - 1 
According to the IGP, the accused had been arrested while they were heading to attack a mosque in the Defence area, Karachi. However, the IGP pointed out that "these arrested persons have no connection with the two car bomb blasts outside Sheraton Hotel and the US Consulate Karachi". He maintained t
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According to the IGP, the accused had been arrested while they were heading to attack a mosque in the Defence area, Karachi. However, the IGP pointed out that "these arrested persons have no connection with the two car bomb blasts outside Sheraton Hotel and the US Consulate Karachi". He maintained that, after the death of Riaz Basra, Lahori was acting as the leader of LeJ and he himself monitored and took part in sectarian killings in Karachi where he was residing for the last one and a half years.
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July - 1 
At the press conference, Lahori said he and his associates had killed Ehtishamuddin Haider after a conducting reconnaissance for 23 days, because Moinuddin Haider was not in their range. Lahori opined that his group would not be eliminated after his arrest and more than 100 activists would continue
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At the press conference, Lahori said he and his associates had killed Ehtishamuddin Haider after a conducting reconnaissance for 23 days, because Moinuddin Haider was not in their range. Lahori opined that his group would not be eliminated after his arrest and more than 100 activists would continue their "work" in various cities. While reportedly admitting to his involvement in sectarian killings, Lahori said, "I have no regrets about what I have done."
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July - 1 
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said, in Islamabad, on July 1, Osama bin Laden was not in the country. Musharraf, while addressing a joint press conference with visiting Thai Premier Thaksin Shinawatra said, "I cannot say for certain whether he is alive or dead as even the number of source repo
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Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said, in Islamabad, on July 1, Osama bin Laden was not in the country. Musharraf, while addressing a joint press conference with visiting Thai Premier Thaksin Shinawatra said, "I cannot say for certain whether he is alive or dead as even the number of source reports that we get cannot be relied upon. But he cannot be in Pakistan since he must be moving with a large entourage to defend him and he cannot hide in Pakistan's border areas. It is impossible for him to remain here." He added, "There are a few people hiding in our border areas but not possible for a large number. But I doubt if he is even alive."
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July - 1 
Sindh General of Police (IGP) Syed Kamal Shah said, in Karachi, on July 1, preliminary investigations indicated that Akram Lahori, a front ranking terrorist of the proscribed Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) Sunni group was involved in 38 cases of sectarian killings in Sindh. The victims included Ehtishamudd
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Sindh General of Police (IGP) Syed Kamal Shah said, in Karachi, on July 1, preliminary investigations indicated that Akram Lahori, a front ranking terrorist of the proscribed Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) Sunni group was involved in 38 cases of sectarian killings in Sindh. The victims included Ehtishamuddin Haider, brother of Federal Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider, Pakistan State Oil Managing Director Shoukat Raza Mirza, victims of the Imambargah Mehmoodabad massacre, besides Iranian cadets in Rawalpindi. Lahori and his group killed 40 persons and injured 25 others in Sindh, he said, and added, "Akram Lahori told investigators that he was involved in 30 cases of sectarian killings in the Punjab including the those of 24 persons who were attending a Majlis in Mominpura." The IGP announced the arrest of Lahori and four accomplices at a press conference where Lahori was also produced before the media. The Sindh police confirmed that the LeJ cadres were arrested on June 29. Kamal Shah said, acting on secret information, police arrested five persons - Muhammad Ajmal alias Akram Lahori, Tasaduq Hussain alias Shaikh, Attaullah alias Qasim, Muhammad Azam alias Sharif and Muhammad Anwar alias Osman Baluch and also recovered two AK-47 assault rifles, three TT pistols and three motorcycles.
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July - 3 
Sindh Inspector-General Police of (IGP) Syed Kamal Shah said in Sukkur on the same day that the police have not ruled out the presence of Al Qaeda terrorists in Karachi. "We are combing for the al-Qaeda members in Karachi as their presence cannot be ruled out altogether," said Shah.
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Sindh Inspector-General Police of (IGP) Syed Kamal Shah said in Sukkur on the same day that the police have not ruled out the presence of Al Qaeda terrorists in Karachi. "We are combing for the al-Qaeda members in Karachi as their presence cannot be ruled out altogether," said Shah.
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July - 3 
The Al Qaeda terror network of Osama bin Laden is reported to have financed the June 14 bombing at the US consulate in Karachi, Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider was reported as saying on July 3. He said authorities had evidence that the Al Qaeda paid local sectarian terrorists to plan the June 14-
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The Al Qaeda terror network of Osama bin Laden is reported to have financed the June 14 bombing at the US consulate in Karachi, Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider was reported as saying on July 3. He said authorities had evidence that the Al Qaeda paid local sectarian terrorists to plan the June 14-car-bomb blast outside the Consulate. "Al Qaeda had financed them," Haider was quoted as saying by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). As reported earlier, 10 persons were killed and 51 others injured when a car bomb exploded outside the US Consulate General in Karachi on June 14. The Minister also said that foreign terrorists operating inside Pakistan were probably behind the May 8-suicide bombing in Karachi that killed 16 persons including, 12 French, as well as in the murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl. He pointed out that the proscribed Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) Sunni terrorists group was part of a coalition of terrorist groups that have taken Al Qaeda money to carry out attacks.
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July - 5 
According to media reports, deposed ‘chief commander’ of the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Abdul Majid Dar, said on July 5 that the Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) based leadership of the outfit was responsible for derailment of the cease-fire in July 2000. "When I announced the ceasefire on the directio
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According to media reports, deposed ‘chief commander’ of the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Abdul Majid Dar, said on July 5 that the Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) based leadership of the outfit was responsible for derailment of the cease-fire in July 2000. "When I announced the ceasefire on the directions of the leadership from across the border the situation took a turn for worse overnight. Across the border, secret meetings and discussions took place which ultimately led to the withdrawal of the ceasefire’’, said Dar. He said there was unanimity in the HM for a cease-fire as "we had taken the step after due thought and I was deputed to Kashmir from across the border to consult the commanders here. After completing my mission, I was asked to announce the ceasefire from across the border…And when I did that, the situation took a turn for worse overnight, across the border secret meetings and discussions took place... I cannot make public the stark realities ... For which I was left high and dry alone.’’ He also said that he has no regret for being dismissed from the post of ‘chief commander’ of the outfit and said "it is a reality, whether anybody accepts it or not, that India has an upper hand, both at political level and at militancy-front in Kashmir because of our mistakes and self-centreness". Dar also said that he has no intention to take part in the forthcoming State Legislative Assembly elections. "I have no intention to take part in any election process, nor have I yet decided to join any political front", Dar said.
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July - 5 
In an interview to Dawn, a Pakistani daily, Hafiz Ishfaq while denying his involvement in sectarian killings, said "I am falsely implicated in all these cases by the police." The AIG said that terrorist groups had shifted their headquarters from Sindh to the Frontier province following stringent sec
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In an interview to Dawn, a Pakistani daily, Hafiz Ishfaq while denying his involvement in sectarian killings, said "I am falsely implicated in all these cases by the police." The AIG said that terrorist groups had shifted their headquarters from Sindh to the Frontier province following stringent security measures taken by various law enforcement agencies in Karachi after the recent suicide bombing incidents. "First the militant outfits had established their headquarters in Punjab. Later, they switched over to Sindh and now NWFP is their centre, especially the tribal areas where they can find safe havens to continue their terrorism activities. We do not rule out the involvement of Hafiz Ishfaq in the killing of the AIG of traffic, Peshawar Range, Farooq Haider, and the then secretary-general of the banned Tehrik-i-Jafria Pakistan, Anwar Ali Akhundzada," the AIG said. He also said that the Punjab police had announced Rs 300,000 head money for the arrest of Hafiz Ishfaq and added that the accused was involved in the killing of 10 Shias in Sheikhupura. Hafiz Ishfaq and some of his accomplices, the AIG said, had also killed two police personnel in March 2001. The AIG claimed that the accused also had links with the erstwhile Taliban regime in Afghanistan and lived in Kabul for almost a year. "He had opened a general store in the Shahr-i-Nau locality of Kabul where Riaz Basra and Akram Lahori used to visit him," the AIG said. Hafiz Ishfaq is reported to have joined LeJ in year 1988 and had also contested the 1993 election for the provincial assembly from Sheikhupura on a Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) ticket.
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July - 8 
Military regime spokesperson Major General Rashid Qureshi said, on July 8, in Islamabad there is no evidence to directly link the Al Qaeda with the accused involved in the June 14-US consulate bombing in Karachi. Speaking to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), he said, "There is no evidence
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Military regime spokesperson Major General Rashid Qureshi said, on July 8, in Islamabad there is no evidence to directly link the Al Qaeda with the accused involved in the June 14-US consulate bombing in Karachi. Speaking to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), he said, "There is no evidence of a direct link with Al-Qaeda. However, investigations are going on and surely the police will establish the real motives of the culprits." He also said evidence thus far indicated that the accused are extremist elements who felt that Pakistan's war against terror and its joining of international coalition was not a right decision. Therefore, in their own belief, they started terrorism to destabilise the government.
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July - 12 
Pakistan will deport all terrorists of foreign origin to their respective countries if they voluntarily surrendered themselves to the authorities. President Pervez Musharraf stated this during his televised address to the nation on July 12. President Musharraf also said that his regime would track d
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Pakistan will deport all terrorists of foreign origin to their respective countries if they voluntarily surrendered themselves to the authorities. President Pervez Musharraf stated this during his televised address to the nation on July 12. President Musharraf also said that his regime would track down all those who have gone underground. "No responsible government will allow this," he said. He also said that the government knew that Al Qaeda terrorists had been hiding in the cities and towns across Pakistan.
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July - 12 
President Pervez Musharraf said during his televised address to the nation on July 12 that a Counter Terrorism Force has been formed to eradicate terrorism and sectarianism from the country. "The newly formed force has been set also at the provincial levels and would be equipped with latest and mode
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President Pervez Musharraf said during his televised address to the nation on July 12 that a Counter Terrorism Force has been formed to eradicate terrorism and sectarianism from the country. "The newly formed force has been set also at the provincial levels and would be equipped with latest and modern equipment with the assistance of the foreign countries," he said.
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July - 15 
Saeed Ahmed Sheikh, father of Omar Sheikh said in an interview to Dawn, a Pakistani daily, "the verdict proves that the judiciary in Pakistan is not independent." He recalled President Musharraf's remarks in his interview with a German newspaper that he wanted to see Omar hanged. Saeed Sheikh said,
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Saeed Ahmed Sheikh, father of Omar Sheikh said in an interview to Dawn, a Pakistani daily, "the verdict proves that the judiciary in Pakistan is not independent." He recalled President Musharraf's remarks in his interview with a German newspaper that he wanted to see Omar hanged. Saeed Sheikh said, "the president had sentenced my son to death even before the trial."
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July - 15 
US President George W Bush, also on the same day, welcomed the conviction of the four terrorists saying it was a proof of Pakistan's leadership in the war against terrorism. "The administration welcomes Pakistan's verdict in this matter," said White House spokesperson Ari Fleischer in Alabama. Brita
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US President George W Bush, also on the same day, welcomed the conviction of the four terrorists saying it was a proof of Pakistan's leadership in the war against terrorism. "The administration welcomes Pakistan's verdict in this matter," said White House spokesperson Ari Fleischer in Alabama. Britain while welcomed the conviction said it was opposed to the death penalty. A spokesperson for Britain's Foreign Office said, "We support suspected terrorists being brought to justice. It is well known that we oppose the death penalty in all circumstances." Meanwhile, Pearl's family in the United States said it was "grateful" for Pakistan's work to bring those guilty to justice. "We, the parents, wife and sisters of Daniel Pearl, are grateful for the tireless efforts by authorities in Pakistan and the United States to bring those guilty of Danny's kidnapping and murder to justice," the family said in a statement.
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July - 16 
The United States said, on July 16, it would not push Pakistan for extraditing front-ranking Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Omar Sheikh, who was sentenced to death on July 15 for masterminding the abduction and subsequent killing of American journalist Daniel Pearl. "We are waiting for the outcome
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The United States said, on July 16, it would not push Pakistan for extraditing front-ranking Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Omar Sheikh, who was sentenced to death on July 15 for masterminding the abduction and subsequent killing of American journalist Daniel Pearl. "We are waiting for the outcome of the case," a State Department official told Dawn, a Pakistani daily. As reported earlier, On March 14, a Federal Grand Jury in Trenton, New Jersey, had indicted Omar on charges of abducting Pearl. The US Justice Department also disclosed a 2001 Washington Grand Jury indictment of Omar for the 1994 abduction of an American tourist in India, who was released unharmed. Earlier, the State Department's spokesperson Richard Boucher said that Washington's decision to follow up on its extradition request would "depend on the outcome of the Pakistani political process and assuming there is an appeal (against the verdict) that may be some time down the road."
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July - 18 
Inspector-General of Sindh Police (IGP) Syed Kamal Shah said, on July 18, the man who was responsible for the bomb explosion outside the US consulate in Karachi had been identified. "We have the name of the man and the area where he belongs," the IG said and added that he was a Pakistani. The IGP sa
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Inspector-General of Sindh Police (IGP) Syed Kamal Shah said, on July 18, the man who was responsible for the bomb explosion outside the US consulate in Karachi had been identified. "We have the name of the man and the area where he belongs," the IG said and added that he was a Pakistani. The IGP said the suspect, Imran had already confessed to his involvement in the incident and the conspiracy to attack the motorcade of President Pervez Musharraf during his visit to Karachi on April 26.
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July - 22 
Federal Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said in Karachi ,on July 22, there is a threat to the life of President Pervez Musharraf from those who do not approve policies of the military regime. However, Haider while dispelling indications that the Al Qaeda terrorist network of Osama bin Laden was i
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Federal Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said in Karachi ,on July 22, there is a threat to the life of President Pervez Musharraf from those who do not approve policies of the military regime. However, Haider while dispelling indications that the Al Qaeda terrorist network of Osama bin Laden was involved in such activities, added that certain accused in the Daniel Pearl murder case and the US consulate blast had allegedly confessed during investigation about the involvement of a few Arab nationals in this regard.
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July - 28 
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, on July 28, during his now concluded visit, US Secretary of State Collin Powell said Kashmir was on the international agenda and favoured independent observers to monitor the forthcoming State Legislative Assembly elections in the State to enhance their cr
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Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, on July 28, during his now concluded visit, US Secretary of State Collin Powell said Kashmir was on the international agenda and favoured independent observers to monitor the forthcoming State Legislative Assembly elections in the State to enhance their credibility. Asked about Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf’s claim in Islamabad that infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir has stopped, Powell said, "President Musharraf has pledged to end it (infiltration) on a permanent basis. I look forward to discussing this with President Musharraf in detail.''
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July - 29 
Punjab Inspector General of Police Malik Asif Hayat said, in Lahore, on July 29, approximately 500 terrorists had recently crossed over into Punjab and were planning to carry out terrorist strikes. He said most of them were linked to the proscribed Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), a Sunni group with links t
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Punjab Inspector General of Police Malik Asif Hayat said, in Lahore, on July 29, approximately 500 terrorists had recently crossed over into Punjab and were planning to carry out terrorist strikes. He said most of them were linked to the proscribed Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), a Sunni group with links to the Al Qaeda terrorist network of Osama bin Laden. They had entered Pakistan through the western border from Afghanistan. Hayat also said outfits like the LeJ were also responsible for targeted sectarian killings of medical practitioners.
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July - 29 
The Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorist outfit, on July 29, said holding elections to the Legislative Assembly in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir is not a solution to the Kashmir issue. This was stated in response to US Secretary of State Colin Powell's comment during his just concluded visit
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The Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorist outfit, on July 29, said holding elections to the Legislative Assembly in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir is not a solution to the Kashmir issue. This was stated in response to US Secretary of State Colin Powell's comment during his just concluded visit to New Delhi and Islamabad that Kashmir was an international issue. HM spokesperson Salim Hashmi said, in Muzaffarabad, "We are fully convinced that elections can in no way lead to the solution of Kashmir problem. India is holding them to form a local administration in the occupied territory and the exercise has nothing to do with the settlement of the longstanding dispute. We have rejected the polls in the past and we reject them this time as well."
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July - 29 
The United Jehad Council (UJC), a conglomerate of 15 Pakistan-based terrorist groups, indicated on July 29, in Muzaffarabad, they had closed down training camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) reportedly at the orders of President Pervez Musharraf. The UJC has also reportedly claimed that cross-b
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The United Jehad Council (UJC), a conglomerate of 15 Pakistan-based terrorist groups, indicated on July 29, in Muzaffarabad, they had closed down training camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) reportedly at the orders of President Pervez Musharraf. The UJC has also reportedly claimed that cross-border infiltration of terrorists into the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) had stopped. A media report quoting Tehreek-e-Jihad cadres said police in PoK were checking vehicles leading to the border, besides preventing terrorists from crossing the Line of Control (LoC).
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July - 30 
Pakistan, on July 30, dismissed Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes’ statement that Osama bin Laden was hiding in Pakistan. Maj. Gen. Rashid Qureshi, the spokesperson for President Musharraf, said the Indian minister was "talking through his hat… If there had been any evidence of the whereabout
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Pakistan, on July 30, dismissed Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes’ statement that Osama bin Laden was hiding in Pakistan. Maj. Gen. Rashid Qureshi, the spokesperson for President Musharraf, said the Indian minister was "talking through his hat… If there had been any evidence of the whereabouts of Osama, the US would have been the first to know."
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July - 31 
According to a media report, both the Federal and provincial governments said, on July 31, they had neither ordered the arrest of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed nor was he in their custody. Deputy Attorney-General Sher Zaman Khan and Advocate-General Maqbool Ilahi Malik said, in Lahore, on
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According to a media report, both the Federal and provincial governments said, on July 31, they had neither ordered the arrest of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed nor was he in their custody. Deputy Attorney-General Sher Zaman Khan and Advocate-General Maqbool Ilahi Malik said, in Lahore, on July 31, according to their instructions, Saeed had not been detained by any Federal or provincial authority or agency. He may have gone into hiding, a law officer said when petitioner Maimoona Saeed's (wife of Saeed) counsel, Nazeer Ahmad Ghazi, remarked that he may have been detained by US authorities.
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July - 31 
According to media reports, Asian nations and the European Union issued a statement on July 31 calling on Pakistan to stop all "terrorist activity" in a bid to ease tensions with India. The statement was issued in Brunei at a meeting of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Fo
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According to media reports, Asian nations and the European Union issued a statement on July 31 calling on Pakistan to stop all "terrorist activity" in a bid to ease tensions with India. The statement was issued in Brunei at a meeting of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum (ARF), comprising 22 Asian nations and the European Union. "The Ministers further called for an immediate end to all terrorist activities in the region as an essential step to de-escalate the situation," said a statement delivered by Brunei's Foreign Minister, Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, who presided over the meeting. The statement further said, "While welcoming its commitment to counter terrorism, ministers earnestly looked to Pakistan to take urgent further steps to implement it. This would constitute an important step towards resumption of dialogue."
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July - 31 
United Jihad Council (UJC) chief Syed Salahuddin said in an interview to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that there have never been any terrorist training camps in any area of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). "When there does not exist any camp, the question of closing them does not arise
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United Jihad Council (UJC) chief Syed Salahuddin said in an interview to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that there have never been any terrorist training camps in any area of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). "When there does not exist any camp, the question of closing them does not arise at all… The youths of that area are being imparted training locally in their training camps based at different places in occupied Kashmir" said Salahuddin. The UJC is a conglomerate of 15 Pakistan-based terrorist outfits
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August - 4 
Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) Prime Minister Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan has denied reports about the presence of Osama bin Laden or Al Qaeda terrorists in the region. In an interview to a Cairo-based Arabic daily, Al-Ahram, he said, "it is absolutely incorrect. The people of Jammu and Kashmir were
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Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) Prime Minister Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan has denied reports about the presence of Osama bin Laden or Al Qaeda terrorists in the region. In an interview to a Cairo-based Arabic daily, Al-Ahram, he said, "it is absolutely incorrect. The people of Jammu and Kashmir were not that foolish to shelter Al Qaeda elements and thereby invite the wrath of the super power and provide it a pretext for intervention." He also said, "I reaffirm that all that has been circulating in this regard is baseless and there are no Al Qaeda elements or their training camps on the soil of Jammu and Kashmir."
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August - 4 
President Pervez Musharraf reportedly said Osama bin Laden was not the mastermind behind the September 11, 2001 multiple-terrorist attacks on the USA. According to a report in New Yorker magazine, he said, "I didn't think it possible that Osama sitting up there in the mountains (of Afghanistan) coul
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President Pervez Musharraf reportedly said Osama bin Laden was not the mastermind behind the September 11, 2001 multiple-terrorist attacks on the USA. According to a report in New Yorker magazine, he said, "I didn't think it possible that Osama sitting up there in the mountains (of Afghanistan) could do it… He was perhaps the sponsor, the financier, the motivating force. But those who executed it were much more modern. They knew the US, they knew aviation. I don't think he has the intelligence or the minute planning. The planner was someone else."
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August - 5 
The US authorities announced on August 5 the closure of their Consulate-General in Karachi. "The US Consulate-General in Karachi has been closed due to security reasons," said Linda Cheatham, the Acting Public Affairs Officer. However, she did not indicate if it had been closed for an indefinite per
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The US authorities announced on August 5 the closure of their Consulate-General in Karachi. "The US Consulate-General in Karachi has been closed due to security reasons," said Linda Cheatham, the Acting Public Affairs Officer. However, she did not indicate if it had been closed for an indefinite period. According to a media report quoting diplomatic sources, the decision to close the Consulate had reportedly been taken prior to the Murree terrorist incident and it had been prompted by certain threatening calls. "We got the news of the consulate closure before we heard of the Murree incident," an unnamed US Embassy official told Dawn, a Pakistani daily.
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August - 7 
According to a media report, the government has decided, in principle, to establish a Special Investigation Group (SIG) in the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to counter terrorism and sectarian violence. Sources in the Federal Interior Ministry were quoted as saying in Dawn, a Pakistani daily, on
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According to a media report, the government has decided, in principle, to establish a Special Investigation Group (SIG) in the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to counter terrorism and sectarian violence. Sources in the Federal Interior Ministry were quoted as saying in Dawn, a Pakistani daily, on August 7, that the SIG would initially comprise 50 personnel, including over 35 investigating agents, who would be drawn from the FIA, Federal and Provincial police departments and the Intelligence Bureau. These sources indicated that the proposed role to be given to the FIA was directed towards evolving a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy at the Federal level. SIG agents are expected to identify and locate the "most wanted" terrorist groups and individuals so that their financial resources could be blocked and their leadership and network destroyed.
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August - 8 August - 9
Customs Intelligence in Peshawar on August 8 foiled an attempt of smuggling arms and ammunition from the tribal area to Punjab province for terrorist activities. A press release issued on August 9 said that the Director-General of Customs Intelligence, Islamabad office, received specific information
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Customs Intelligence in Peshawar on August 8 foiled an attempt of smuggling arms and ammunition from the tribal area to Punjab province for terrorist activities. A press release issued on August 9 said that the Director-General of Customs Intelligence, Islamabad office, received specific information that arms and ammunition would be smuggled from the tribal area to Punjab. Authorities have reportedly recovered 22 rifles of different bores, 14 pistols of 30 bore, 4775 rounds, 25 magazines and one set of telescope. However, no arrests have been made in connection with this recovery.
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August - 9 
An unnamed senior police officer in Rawalpindi claimed that the terrorist who was killed in Taxila was a resident of Rawalpindi and belonged to a proscribed religious group.
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An unnamed senior police officer in Rawalpindi claimed that the terrorist who was killed in Taxila was a resident of Rawalpindi and belonged to a proscribed religious group.
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August - 10 
Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General and military regime spokesperson Maj. Gen Rashid Qureshi said, in Islamabad, on August 10, the attack on a missionary school in Murree on August 5, and another on a chapel in a Taxila hospital on August 9, indicated that terrorists were choosin
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Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General and military regime spokesperson Maj. Gen Rashid Qureshi said, in Islamabad, on August 10, the attack on a missionary school in Murree on August 5, and another on a chapel in a Taxila hospital on August 9, indicated that terrorists were choosing ‘soft targets’. "I find a level of frustration and panic among them. They have been universally condemned. They have now diverted to soft targets like schools, mosques and churches all over Pakistan," said Qureshi.
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August - 10 
Pakistan, on August 10, said the forthcoming Legislative Assembly elections in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) were a charade that would not give people the choice they wanted. "Regardless of the drama they (the Indians) would like to enact, that is no substitute for giving them (Kashmir
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Pakistan, on August 10, said the forthcoming Legislative Assembly elections in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) were a charade that would not give people the choice they wanted. "Regardless of the drama they (the Indians) would like to enact, that is no substitute for giving them (Kashmiris) a choice of joining Pakistan or India," said Maj. Gen. Rashid Qureshi, military regime spokesperson.
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August - 11 
Rawalpindi District Mayor Tariq Kiani said, on August 11, "After identifying the accused who was killed in the attack, we have information that the attackers were members either of the banned Jaish-i-Mohammad or Harkat-ul-Mujahideen groups…Or they may be members of splinter or breakaway groups of th
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Rawalpindi District Mayor Tariq Kiani said, on August 11, "After identifying the accused who was killed in the attack, we have information that the attackers were members either of the banned Jaish-i-Mohammad or Harkat-ul-Mujahideen groups…Or they may be members of splinter or breakaway groups of these banned outfits." Kiani identified the slain terrorist as Kamran Butt, a resident of Rawalpindi, who had reportedly been actively involved in terrorist violence in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir.
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August - 12 
According to a media report, the government, on August 12, identified the proscribed Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) Sunni group as a suspect in the recent terrorist attacks on western targets. As reported earlier, six persons were killed in the attack on a Christian Missionary School, Murree, and six perso
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According to a media report, the government, on August 12, identified the proscribed Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) Sunni group as a suspect in the recent terrorist attacks on western targets. As reported earlier, six persons were killed in the attack on a Christian Missionary School, Murree, and six persons were killed in the attack on a chapel at the Mission Hospital, Taxila, on August 9. "We strongly suspect the attackers to be part of Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, one of its main factions," said Interior Ministry spokesperson Iftikhar Ahmed. The LeJ has also been linked to the suicide car-bomb attacks in Karachi outside the Sheraton hotel on May 8 and the US Consulate on June 14, and the murder of abducted US journalist Daniel Pearl. Meanwhile, official sources in Rawalpindi said authorities had arrested more than five persons in connection with the Taxila attack.
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August - 14 
Osama bin Laden and Taliban chief Mullah Mohammad Omar could already be dead, President Pervez Musharraf said on August 14 in an interview to the Russian daily Izvestia. "At this point no one has any precise information on the whereabouts of Omar and bin Laden and what they are doing. It is possible
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Osama bin Laden and Taliban chief Mullah Mohammad Omar could already be dead, President Pervez Musharraf said on August 14 in an interview to the Russian daily Izvestia. "At this point no one has any precise information on the whereabouts of Omar and bin Laden and what they are doing. It is possible that they are already dead," said Musharraf.
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August - 14 
Police in the Punjab province said on August 14 that they had arrested 27 terrorists, including a leader of a proscribed sectarian group, in a crackdown this week against sectarian violence.
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Police in the Punjab province said on August 14 that they had arrested 27 terrorists, including a leader of a proscribed sectarian group, in a crackdown this week against sectarian violence.
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August - 15 
The Punjab Police arrested a 12-member gang of terrorists, allegedly involved in the recent terrorist incidents in Taxila, Murree and Islamabad, and confiscated a large number of sophisticated weaponry from their possession. "All the terrorists represent new terrorists group whose ages range between
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The Punjab Police arrested a 12-member gang of terrorists, allegedly involved in the recent terrorist incidents in Taxila, Murree and Islamabad, and confiscated a large number of sophisticated weaponry from their possession. "All the terrorists represent new terrorists group whose ages range between 20 to 28, belong to various parts of the Punjab while some of them have links with defunct Lashkar-e-Jhangvi," Inspector General of Punjab (IGP) Police Malik Asif Hayat told a press conference in Lahore on August 15. The IGP also said that the terrorists were arrested from various parts of the province, including Lahore, Muzzafargarh, Multan, Leiah and other areas. While indicating that the terrorists had secured training in Afghanistan, he added that five members of the group were still at large. Some one in Karachi reportedly financed the group of terrorists, the IGP further added.
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August - 17 
Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said, on August 17, there would be no let-up in stern ‘across-the-board action’ against those involved in terrorist activities. He was speaking at the 23rd Imam Ahmed Raza International Conference, in Karachi. In response to a question at the end of his address,
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Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said, on August 17, there would be no let-up in stern ‘across-the-board action’ against those involved in terrorist activities. He was speaking at the 23rd Imam Ahmed Raza International Conference, in Karachi. In response to a question at the end of his address, Haider said, "58 prisoners of Pakistani origin are at present registered to be at the Guantanamo Base in Cuba". The were arrested in the wake of a crack-down by United States security forces in the post-9/11 operations targeting persons linked with the Al Qaeda terrorist network of Osama bin Laden. Haider also sought to allay the impression that the government was targeting students and graduates of seminaries (madrassas), alone. Reforms being introduced in the curriculum of seminaries are intended to enable the scholastics to "learn different subjects and vocations, including computer education," he added. He said there was no difference of opinion between the government and religious scholars in changing the curriculum and added that the concerned sections had been "taken into confidence". He regretted that minorities were targets of terrorist attacks in Taxila and Murree, in which Christians were attacked in recent times, and said "Islam does not permit violation of the rights of minorities or any particular section of society".
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August - 18 
According to a media report, the Federal government is to close hundreds of illegal weapons-outlets in North West Frontier Province (NWFP). Authorities in NWFP have indicated that weapons markets in the region are to be closed following instructions from Islamabad. The report pointed out that the ad
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According to a media report, the Federal government is to close hundreds of illegal weapons-outlets in North West Frontier Province (NWFP). Authorities in NWFP have indicated that weapons markets in the region are to be closed following instructions from Islamabad. The report pointed out that the administration of Jamrud Khyber district (close to the Khyber Pass into Afghanistan) has already closed a weapons market of 200 shops, and on August 18 the administration also reportedly ordered closure of another market comprising 150 shops.
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August - 18 
Commander of the coalition forces in Afghanistan, Lieutenant-General Dan McNeill, said, on August 18, at the Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, there might now be more Al Qaeda terrorists operating in Pakistan than in Afghanistan, the original theatre of war. McNeill conceded that his task was now more c
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Commander of the coalition forces in Afghanistan, Lieutenant-General Dan McNeill, said, on August 18, at the Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, there might now be more Al Qaeda terrorists operating in Pakistan than in Afghanistan, the original theatre of war. McNeill conceded that his task was now more complicated as the coalition does not have the right to conduct combat missions in Pakistan. While pointing out that sympathy for the Al Qaeda remained strong in tribal areas in Pakistan, he added that fewer than 1,000 of its cadres were now in Afghanistan. "I think in Afghanistan they probably still exist, they could number in the hundreds. I think just outside Afghanistan's borders ... their numbers could be in the hundreds, maybe even a thousand," said McNeill.
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