ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior Rehman Malik Thursday strongly refuted rumors of differences between the President and the Chief of Army Staff.

He categorically stated at a news conference at the Parliament House that there were no differences whatsoever and the rumors were being floated by some elements with ulterior political motives.

The minister, who also talked about other matters, said there was not a single US marine nor any presence of so-called Black Water personnel.

‘I reassure people that not a single American is allowed into Pakistan without stamping of visa. There are only 411 American nationals in Pakistan out of whom 286 are diplomats while others work with different NGOs,’ he said.

Asked whether he was ready to face court cases after the lapse of NRO, the minister said he would be the first person to happily face the court if needed.

He said there was a case of car-theft against him and in another case he was booked for theft of jewelry of five tolas. He said in another case he was held responsible for sending two people to jail.

Rehman Malik said he would leave for Dubai on Friday to meet a delegation from MQM headquarters as talks for the meeting had been held in the past two weeks.

Asked to comment on the reported delay in another visit of a UN Commission to probe Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s assassination, the minister said the commission had concerns due to the recent wave of terrorist attacks and that was the reason behind the delay.—APP