KARACHI, April 5: Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider has said one of the most wanted Al-Qaeda leaders, Abu Zubaydah, had been arrested in a raid conducted by police and other security agencies in Faisalabad last week. He, however, declined to comment on whether the man was handed over to the US or not.

He was talking to newsmen after inaugurating the 2nd swift registration centre for issuing computerized national identity cards (CNICs) in Nazimabad on Friday.

Moinuddin Haider said President Musharraf in his address to the nation on January 12 had clearly stated that he would not allow any terrorist activity in Pakistan.

About the proposed presidential referendum, he said people of Pakistan were the best judge of the good policies of the regime, which have helped the country establish its credibility among the comity of nations.

“Those political elements who oppose the referendum are pursuing their own agenda and the government object to their approach, however, the law will take its own course if anybody attempted to violate it,” he added.

“Performance of the government is before the masses, and I hope people will make a right decision in the referendum,” he said, adding that development projects initiated in the country, improved law and order situation and the fight against terrorism and corruption were some of the major achievements of the government.

Moinuddin Haider said the old NIC cards would be utilized in the next general elections. He said the objective of the swift registration centres was to introduce a new culture, besides restoring the honour and prestige of the common man so that like in the past he did not face any difficulty in acquiring a new CNIC.

He said at the new centres it would take not more than ten minutes to complete all the requirements of acquiring the card.

He said Nadra had also maintained records of those who will attest the application forms so that no foreigner could take advantage of the computerized ID cards. All the data provided in the application form will be cross checked at Islamabad office, he added.

He said Nadra two weeks ago issued 10th million CNIC to a woman of Kahota. He said 0.1 million new cards were being made every day. This year 70 offices of Nadra will be set up in the country and the network will be expanded up to 200 next year.

He said establishment of a large number of such centres would also help overcome unemployment problems as currently more than 5,500 people were employed with Nadra.

The interior minister said the newly-established National Aliens’ Registration Authority (NARA) had registered 10,500 foreigners since January.—PPI/APP