3rehman-malik670
Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik. -File Photo

ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Tuesday demanded Afghanistan to arrest and hand over Pakistani Taliban leader Maulvi Fazlullah who, he said, is based in Kunar province.

Addressing a press conference, Malik said the militants are launching attacks on Pakistani villages and security posts along the Pak-Afghan border in Bajour, Dir and Chitral areas from inside Afghanistan.

The interior minister said the Afghan government should cooperate in sealing the Pak-Afghan border as it is necessary to control terrorism.

Commenting on war against terrorism, Malik said the militants have been defeated and they are on the run now, adding that around forty thousand Pakistani nationals have sacrificed their lives for the cause.

Vowing to continue the government’s efforts against terrorism, he said that all those young man, who have been engaged by the militants, would be given employment opportunities if they end their links with them.

Answering a question, Malik said that investigation on Benazir Bhutto assassination has been finalised and it will be made public with permission of the court.

Earlier, the minister inaugurated Pakistani Origin Cads (POC) for overseas Pakistanis and their spouses. He also launched the Smart Card to replace the existing Computerized National Identity Cards (NIC). The new card would hold thirty eight features.

Opinion

Editorial

Hollow applause
Updated 23 Feb, 2026

Hollow applause

The current account turnaround, though largely driven by import compression, rising remittances and bilateral debt rollovers, has eased external pressures.
Delayed appointment
23 Feb, 2026

Delayed appointment

THE recent appointment of a chief election commissioner for Azad Jammu & Kashmir has once again shone a ...
Fragile equilibrium
23 Feb, 2026

Fragile equilibrium

PAKISTAN is not short of food. It is short of resilience. The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification...
March to war?
Updated 22 Feb, 2026

March to war?

With his huge build-up of forces around Iran, and frequent threats targeted at the Islamic Republic, the US president has created a very difficult situation for himself.
Paper proscriptions
22 Feb, 2026

Paper proscriptions

THE Punjab government’s decision to publicly list 89 banned and unregistered groups, and to warn citizens against...
Cricket politics again
Updated 22 Feb, 2026

Cricket politics again

Pakistan refused to play India at the ongoing T20 World Cup and only changed its mind in view of the game’s greater good. It is time for India to reciprocate.