ISLAMABAD, Sept 3: Information and Broadcasting Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Friday asked the foreigners hiding in the country to surrender unconditionally and said the government had not handed over any suspect to the United States.

Speaking at a press conference, the minister said: "Terrorists Ahmed Khalfan, Naeemi, Talha and Shariful Misri are in Pakistan's custody." He said the government's campaign to flush out terrorists from the country would continue.

"We will continue our policy on terrorism in the interest of peace and prosperity of our country and in line with the commitment made to the international community," he said.

He held out the assurance that the foreigners who surrendered would not be handed over to the US. Mr Ahmed said no madressah would be raided. He said if any foreign student was living in Pakistan without valid documents, he must apply for a visa or leave the country. He said all madressahs should not be criticized for the wrongdoing of one or two institutions.

He said the government wanted to hold talks with the opposition on every issue. He urged the opposition leaders to accept the government's offer with an open heart. He said he would himself take an initiative in this regard. He said differences between the government and the opposition increased in the past due to some misunderstandings.

The information minister said the dialogue with the opposition would also be held by the prime minister and the prime minister. He said the foreign policy of President Gen Pervez Musharraf would continue.

About the country's relations with India, he said the ongoing exercise would bear no results if New Delhi did not change its attitude. He said the government wanted to continue dialogue with India.

The minister said the international community recognized Kashmir as a central issue between Pakistan and India. He expressed the hope that all issues would be discussed in the forthcoming talks between the foreign ministers of the two countries.

He said the PML president had asked the ministers to keep their expenditures minimum. In response to a question, Mr Ahmed said he would continue to draw salary and enjoy other benefits as a minister as the party chief had issued the directive for those cabinet members who had a strong financial background.

He said Gen Musharraf had brought the country out of the external crises and it was the duty of the Pakistan Muslim League to resolve the internal problems of the country.

Responding to a question, he said the new cabinet was heavy but it was the need of the time. He said the ministers were being given more powers. He said new and young leadership would emerge with the expansion of the cabinet.

NEWSPAPER ISSUES: Sheikh Rashid asked newspaper owners to immediately implement the 7th Wage Board Award. The minister announced lifting of a ban on government advertisements for certain newspapers and said he hoped that the owners would implement the award.