23 May 2004	Sunday	03 Rabi-us-Saani 1425

ISLAMABAD, May 22: The PML-N vice-president, Mushahidullah Khan, has taken strong exception to Gen Pervez Musharraf's threatening tone against the Waziristan tribes.

The PML-N vice-president, in a statement issued here on Saturday, said Gen Musharraf's attitude was damaging the national interests.

He said the government had failed to prove that foreign terrorists had taken refuge in the tribal areas. The tribal elders have assured the government time and again that if there are any terrorists hiding in their area then they would themselves take action against those harbouring the terrorists, he added.

He said a tribal Jirga had now declared that they did not find any foreign terrorists in the area.

Mr Khan alleged that Gen Musharraf was relying on the US intelligence reports instead of believing in the tribesmen.

"The incompetence and even lies of the US sources have been proved on several occasions, including Iraq's WMDs and the abuse of innocent prisoners.

"The reports about presence of terrorists in Waziristan are equally unreliable," he added.

The PML-N leader said Gen Musharraf was putting trust in those resources of the American intelligence that could not even differentiate between militant camps and wedding parties.

He also strongly condemned the continuing bombing of the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala.