 |
| |
WEEKLY
SECTIONS |
 |
|
 |
| Plain words |
|
|
|
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Iranian interior minister has demanded Pakistan hand over the chief of Jundullah, the organization Tehran is convinced was behind the recent suicide bombing close to its border with Pakistan, which killed 42 people. Iran believes that the Jundullah leader is in Pakistan and indeed frequently comes and goes across the border. The Iranian delegation, which met the Pakistan interior minister, has reportedly offered video evidence to prove its claims. In his reponse, Mr Rehman Malik has denied Pakistan’s soil is being used by terrorists. He insists the man the Iranians seek is not in the country and has also cited the current operation in Waziristan as one reason why the country cannot go after terrorists elsewhere.
The problem is that the credibility of Pakistan’s government is wearing thinner by the day. The Iranians have suggested the issue could have an adverse impact on relations between the two countries. This has obvious implications for Pakistan – one being on the gas pipeline that Tehran and Islamabad have agreed to lay out. Other areas of cooperation would be affected as well. The time has come for Pakistan to assess its standing in the region and examine the manner in which terrorism is affecting this. We cannot afford to be seen as a nation from where neighbours can be attacked. It is obvious that denials are not being accepted. Islamabad must review strategy in this respect and accept that it has more to lose than gain by the perception that it is unable or unwilling to do more against the terrorists who, it is alleged, have set up base in the country.
|
|
|
| Back
| Send
this story to Friend | Print
Version |
|
|
|
ISSN 1563-9479 
