ISLAMABAD, April 28: Pakistan's amnesty offer to Al Qaeda and Taliban-linked fighters hiding near the Afghan border does not apply to their leaders, Interior Minister Faisal Saleh Hayat said on Wednesday.

"These tribal militants were on the wanted list but they were given amnesty after they gave assurances they would live peacefully and assist the government in apprehending foreign suspects," Mr Hayat told AFP.

"The amnesty offer by the government to these elements does not apply to the leadership of Al Qaeda and Taliban," he added. Under the amnesty deal announced on Saturday the fighters are allowed to stay in the tribal region along the porous frontier, in return for pledges to live peacefully and their registration with local authorities by April 30.

"This offer is for the foreign elements who lay down their arms and surrender to the authorities and pledge not to engage in any activity against Pakistan's interest and security," Mr Hayat said. "Our assurance is that those who surrender will not be handed over to any other country."-AFP