24 February 2004	Tuesday	03 Muharram 1425

ISLAMABAD, Feb 23: Interior Minister Faisal Saleh Hayat has said it is not possible to seal the entire Pakistan-Afghanistan border during a planned operation against terrorists in Waziristan.

"It is impossible for us to seal the 2,500km-long border, rather it would be secured further to block the entry of terrorists who are believed to be hiding in border areas," the ministers said at a press conference here on Monday.

Without mentioning the time when the operation would be launched, the minister said it would be against Al Qaeda terrorists and the Taliban fighters who had taken refuge in tribal areas.

In reply to a question, Mr Hayat said that no foreign forces were conducting any ground operation anywhere inside Pakistan. "It is not a fresh operation along the border as the Pakistani forces undertake such operations from time to time," he added.

He said neither the US nor the British forces had launched any operation in the country in the past, nor would they be allowed to do so in future. "The war on terror is a global one and Pakistan's role is to share information and intelligence with other countries," he added.

Mr Hayat said the operation in the Waziristan area was being lunched on intelligence reports received from foreign countries. He said an operation was already going on in Wana and other areas along the border.

"Civil armed forces like the Frontier Constabulary have been deployed along the border, supplemented by regular military troops," he said. Answering a question, the minister said an amnesty had been offered in a meeting with tribal leaders some time back and those who surrendered under this offer were not being handed over to other countries.

"Pakistanis are not at all being handed over to other countries while only those foreigners who are captured after a fight would be sent abroad, if required. The deadline for voluntary surrender is almost over," he said.

The minister termed the question premature when asked if any well-known foreigner, if caught, would be handed over to other countries. About border security, he said the coalition forces across the border should also secure their side because infiltration might take place from their side.

The minister said the US and Europeans had indicated that they were increasing their troops presence for the purpose of securing the border.