NEW YORK, July 15: Pakistan’s substantial contribution in war against terrorism degraded Al Qaeda’s ability to mount global acts of terror and its leadership is scattered, on the run and somewhat frustrated due to its lack of direct control.

This is stated in “Country Reports on Terrorism 2005” published by the US Department of State Office for Counter Terrorism.

Eulogising Pakistan’s “sustained and concerted” efforts in eliminating terrorism, the report says: “Government of Pakistan continues to pursue Al Qaeda, the Taliban and their allies aggressively. Its troops and other law-enforcement agencies continued raids on Al Qaeda’s suspects and their command and control capabilities in the region, totally disrupting their operations.”

“Pakistan defence forces’ close co-operation with the US and other nations in their campaign to eliminate international terrorism since September 2001 resulted in capturing and killing of hundreds of suspected operators of Al Qaeda and other terrorist organisations by Pakistani troops,” adds the report.

Notwithstanding Kabul’s baseless charges against Pakistan of exporting terrorism, the report says that Islamabad’s sincerity in curbing terrorism could be gauged from the deployment of its 80,000 troops along the western border.

The report also highlights President General Musharraf’s keen interest in war against terrorism and cites his statement after the London bombings, of declaring “Jihad against extremism”. His announcement of a crackdown on banned organisations and hate material and expulsion of foreign Madrassa students amply speaks of Pakistan’s commitment to eliminate terrorism in all shapes, the report continues.

It also highlights the steps taken by the Pakistan government and appreciates Islamabad’s efforts to resolve the Kashmir issue through peaceful means with New Delhi.

“The US-Pakistan joint counter-terrorism efforts had been extensive including co-operative steps in border security and criminal investigations and several long-term training projects,” the reports concludes.—APP