Pakistan officials in talks with US to avert strikes

Islamabad, July 23: Against the backdrop of fierce clashes between the army and militants in North Waziristan and indication by the US to carry out strikes in the restive tribal regions to hunt down Al-Qaeda operatives, Pakistan's top security brass is busy holding intense negotiation with senior officials in Washington to avert possible US attacks on the tribal belt.

Strong indications from the US capital suggested growing restlessnessamong the security cadres over the surge in violence in Pakistan's tribal belt and the alleged regrouping of Al Qaeda and the Taliban there.

'The Nation' quoted diplomatic circles here believed that the Bush administration was under increasing pressure from Afghanistan to mount assaults against the Al Qaeda and Taliban militants in Waziristan.

They said in such a scenario, Pakistan was all out in its contacts with the top officials in Bush administration to avert possible military action from the US-led allied forces on its soil fearing it would lead to catastrophic repercussions.

Sensing the urgency and seriousness of situation, Pakistani security forces yesterday targeted the militants and killed six Taliban fighters in North Waziristan where the overnight battles left 13 miscreants dead.

After the militants scrapping the North Waziristan peace deal between Pakistan and tribesmen a few days back, the military and paramilitary forces have been trying their best to control the spiralling violence in the country.

A diplomatic source said Islamabad had been trying to impress upon the Bush administration that any attack on Waziristan or any other tribal area from outside would only add to the militancy in Pakistan.

''Pakistani officials have been urging restraint during their interaction with the US. Authorities are telling them that Islamabad's policy of talks for the revival of North Waziristan peace deal along with the use of force when and where it is required must be given a chance as it will bear fruit,'' he said.

UNI