JEDDAH, 12 November 2004 — Pakistan’s federal Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said here on Wednesday that the United States would have launched an operation in Wana, South Waziristan, to eliminate Al-Qaeda militants and Taleban remnants had Pakistan not acted swiftly against the terrorists.

Speaking to Arab News at an iftar reception, Rashid said Americans had plans to go after the Al-Qaeda suspects in the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan.

“The government never wanted to interfere in the tribal regions given the fiercely independent nature of the people there. But after the Sept. 11 attacks in America and the fall of the Taleban, a large number of Al-Qaeda suspects and Taleban remnants sneaked into our tribal regions and found sanctuary there with the help and support of some tribal elders,” he said.

“Pakistan came under tremendous pressure but it was mainly because of our national interests that we launched the operation to flush out terrorists. It was not because of outside pressure that we acted against the Al-Qaeda suspects.”

He said Pakistan deployed troops on its borders with Afghanistan to pre-empt any infiltration by Taleban remnants from the other side of the border. “Nevertheless, some terrorists managed to sneak into our territory. We offered the militants amnesty if they surrendered, but they did not heed our offer.”

“We learned after clashes in Angore Adda — the most volatile area in Wana — that seven of the militants killed carried prize money on their heads,” the minister said.

Subsequent clashes, seizure of CDs and attempts on President Pervez Musharraf’s life made it clear that a terror network was operating in Wana and had members across the country who were involved in bomb blasts and other terror activities, he said. “Some of the most wanted terrorists were arrested on information gleaned from militants captured in Wana,” Rashid said.

Responding to a question Rashid said the Wana operation would continue until all terrorists are eliminated.

Rashid said: “As Muslims, we believe in jihad. But we should differentiate between jihad and terrorism. It is the moral duty of our religious and political leaders to differentiate between jihad and terrorism.”

Rashid parried a question about Altaf Hussain’s remarks in India where he had reportedly said that the creation of Pakistan was a historic blunder. Rashid was of the view that there could be many reasons for making such a statement. Altaf reportedly asked the Indian government to open the doors for those who migrated to Pakistan so that they could return to their native place.

Speaking about the Kashmir issue Rashid said the solution to the problem should be in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

He appreciated the Indian government’s decision to allow Hurriyat leaders to visit Pakistan and also supported their contention that they should not travel on Indian passports. He was upbeat that the Kashmir problem would be resolved given the very positive signals from the Indian side. “President Musharraf is very optimistic,” he said.

About Pakistan’s economy, he said it was getting stronger. He said state-owned companies had started making profits.

“Pakistan Steel Mills is back on track. Pakistan International Airlines has posted billions in profit. Our export targets have been achieved,” he said. But Rashid was not very upbeat about the law and order situation saying much needs to be done to attract investment. He said the situation would improve as Pakistan now enjoys excellent relations with Afghanistan. President Musharraf was the first head of state to visit Afghanistan to congratulate President Hamid Karzai on his election victory. This speaks volumes of the warm ties between the two countries.

Rashid said the re-election of President Bush augured well for Pakistan-US relations. “Our leadership was very close to President Bush compared to Sen. Kerry and hence President Bush’s re-election is good for Pakistan,” he added.

He however stressed that the US should play a positive role in resolving the issues of Palestine, Kashmir and hand over the power to the people of Iraq.

Referring to President Musharraf retaining the army post, Rashid said this was not an issue. Opposition parties have no issues and they are making it an issue to get political gains. He urged the opposition to understand the global situation and help the government in tiding over problems.

He said the media enjoyed full freedom in Pakistan and it was the responsibility of the media to keep people informed. “The media should play a more active and positive role during next elections in our country,” he added.

Regarding the ailment of nuclear scientist Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, he said Qadeer was fine. “I am constantly in touch with him, and he is in good health,” he said.

When asked whether he would meet former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif here to offer condolences on his father’s death, he said President Musharraf had already condoled the death of Mian Mohammad Sharif “and in my view he has represented all of us.”