Pakistan UN envoy advocates joint NATO patrol on Pak-Afghan border

Karachi, Oct 10 : Pakistan's permanent representative to the United Nations, Abdullah Hussain Haroon, has suggested the formation of a joint border force of Pakistani and NATO forces, under the command of Army Chief General Ashfaq Kiyani to increase co-ordination to curb terrorist activities along the Pak-Afghan border.

"General Kiyani should be given the supreme command of this border force. It will help end the misunderstanding and tension between the NATO and Pakistani forces, improve co-ordination between the two forces on action against terrorists and can save lives of many innocent people in the Tribal Areas of our country," he said.

Haroon is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari and officials of the Foreign Office on Friday and is likely to discuss matters pertaining to national security, Pakistan's role in the war on terrorism and the UN's position on the government's request for a UN probe into the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.

"Yes, I have to meet with the president, officials of the Foreign Office and others to discuss issues pertaining to the UN probe into Benazir Bhutto's assassination and foreign investment in the country. I cannot reveal more details," the Daily Times quoted him, as saying.

Haroon said the people of Pakistan have a misperception that the UN is not showing interest in probing Benazir's murder. Before the president's meeting with the UN Secretary-General, Haroon said he had met the Secretary-General and other UN officials on the issue.

He said that the UN would form a commission of experts from various countries. He hoped that the commission would start its work this year. Pakistan will be consulted on the modalities and funding of the commission, he added.

ANI