Osama, Mullah Omar not in Pakistan: PM
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has rejected allegations by top American diplomats that some elements in the Pakistani establishment are aware of al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden’s whereabouts.
At a meeting on Tuesday with editors of wire services, Gilani denied reports that Bin Laden and Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Omar are hiding in Pakistan.
“Neither Mullah Omar nor Bin Laden is in Pakistan… and if anyone has any credible and verifiable information, it should be shared with us,” an official statement quoted the premier as telling the delegates of news agencies.
Gilani’s rejection came within a day of visiting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s assertion that the administration in Washington believes a segment of the Pakistani security establishment knows where Osama is. The prime minister asserted that Pakistani forces would react accordingly if they catch wind of Bin Laden’s whereabouts. Gilani also dispelled suggestions that the scandal of parliamentarians’ fake degrees could lead to mid-term or snap elections.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 21st, 2010.
Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has rejected allegations by top American diplomats that some elements in the Pakistani establishment are aware of al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden’s whereabouts.
At a meeting on Tuesday with editors of wire services, Gilani denied reports that Bin Laden and Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Omar are hiding in Pakistan.
“Neither Mullah Omar nor Bin Laden is in Pakistan… and if anyone has any credible and verifiable information, it should be shared with us,” an official statement quoted the premier as telling the delegates of news agencies.
Gilani’s rejection came within a day of visiting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s assertion that the administration in Washington believes a segment of the Pakistani security establishment knows where Osama is. The prime minister asserted that Pakistani forces would react accordingly if they catch wind of Bin Laden’s whereabouts. Gilani also dispelled suggestions that the scandal of parliamentarians’ fake degrees could lead to mid-term or snap elections.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 21st, 2010.