WASHINGTON: The Pentagon has alleged that some elements in the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) were supporting terrorist networks in the region, thus undermining the war against terrorism by the US-led international forces.
Pentagon spokesperson Colonel David Lapan told reporters that some members of the ISI “might be interacting with terrorist organisations in ways that aren’t consistent with what the government and military are doing.”
He was responding to questions about a news report in The Wall Street Journal which said that ISI was asking and assisting the Taliban against Nato and US forces in Afghanistan.
Noting that the ISI as an organisation does not support terrorism, Lapan said some elements within the intelligence agency are providing assistance to terrorists.
US officials have raised concerns about whether some members of the ISI “might be interacting with terrorist organisations in ways that aren’t consistent with what the government and military are doing,” he said.
Observing that the top Pakistan military leadership is working to correct the problem, he said that like any large organisation, change is difficult and comes slowly.
“The ISI has done a great deal in fighting terrorism. Some have said they probably have killed more terrorists than any other organisation. But we also have some concerns with the strategic focus of the ISI,” Col Lapan said, adding that Pakistan army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani is aware of these concern and shares it. “Our optimism is that General Kayani understands and has made it clear that they need to make some changes,” he said.Online
Published in The Express Tribune, October 9th, 2010.
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