December 25, 2008	Thursday	Zilhaj 26, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Dec 24: Pakistan will not act upon the plea of Ajmal Amir Kasab, detained in India for last month’s terror attacks on Mumbai, for providing consular access, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Interior Affairs Rehman Malik said on Wednesday.

“There is no question of consular access unless it is proved that Ajmal Kasab is a Pakistan national,” the adviser told reporters after a function at the headquarters of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra).

“We have thoroughly checked the registration record but have not found Ajmal Kasab’s name in the Nadra database.

“Therefore we are not sure whether he is a Pakistani. How we can give him consular access without having knowledge about his nationality?”

The adviser said the leaderships of both Pakistan and India were sensible enough to know that any decision might trigger a conflict. The leaderships and people of both countries do not want a war.”

He said the government would take all steps to save the country from external threats and terrorism.

BENAZIR: Mr Malik said former prime minister Benazir Bhutto had been warned before her return to the country that she could be assassinated. “In the light of some intelligence reports of possible attacks on Ms Bhutto, I advised her in Dubai not to return to Pakistan, but she refused, saying she was going for the sake of democracy and the people of Pakistan and she had no fear in offering a sacrifice,” he said.

He told Dawn that the United Nations had assured the government that it would soon form a commission to investigate into the assassination.

MUHARRAM: The adviser said army would be called out in different cities during Muharram.

“We have intelligence reports that acts of terrorism may take place in some cities. Therefore all possible security steps will be taken to maintain peace during the month,” he said.

Mr Malik said a meeting of the four provincial inspectors-general of police, home secretaries and officials of secret agencies had discussed security measures for Muharram.

The adviser for interior said the government had also asked ulema to promote sectarian harmony.