September 25, 2008	Thursday	Ramazan 24, 1429

PESHAWAR, Sept 24: The adviser to the prime minister on interior affairs, Rehman Malik, on Wednesday said the government had key information about the missing Afghan diplomat but could not disclose it to the media at this point.

“Yes, we have some credible clues about the Afghan diplomat, but it can’t be shared with the media at this movement,” he told journalists outside the Balahisar Fort, the headquarters of the Frontier Corps. Peshawar-based Afghan Consul General Abdul Khaliq Farahi was kidnapped in Hayatabad on Monday and officials believe that he has been shifted to the tribal region. No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.

Mr Malik said hectic efforts were on and the diplomat would be recovered soon. He said adequate security had been provided to the diplomat, but he refused to take them along.

Regarding the situation in the Bajaur of FC Maj-Gen Tariq Khan at the corps headquarters and discussed the operation in the tribal area, especially in Bajaur, said Agency, he said the government had established control there but the operation would continue till elimination of militancy.

Answering a question, he said Pakistan was an important ally in the war on terror and the international community should recognise its role. When asked about the situation in the Swat district, he said Swat was a provincial matter and he could not comment on it. Earlier, Mr Malik held a meeting with Inspector-General a handout. —Bureau Report