Allegations of ISI-Qaeda nexus baseless: Pak ISPR

Islamabad, Mar 29 (ANI): Allegations levelled against Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in a section of international media are "baseless and malafide," said the Inter-Services Public Relations spokesman.

"The commitment of Pakistan in fighting terrorism can be judged from the sacrifices rendered by its security forces, including intelligence organisations," he said in a statement.

"Such unauthenticated reports are part of a malicious campaign to discredit and bring disrepute to our security organisations," the Daily Times quoted him, as saying.

"We, therefore, reject the allegations levelled against our security organisations," he added.

Earlier, US Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, Admiral Mike Mullen had confirmed media reports that the ISI has close links with al-Qaeda and the Taliban network, and is offering logistical support to them.

"There are certainly indications that's the case," The Dawn quoted Admiral Mullen, as saying.

Talking to media persons right after President Barack Obama announced a revamped strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, he said that the nefarious network must be severed to thwart the extremist's upsurge in the region.

"Fundamentally that's one of the things that have to change," Mullen added.

He said Islamabad has also expressed concern over the increasing influence of the outlawed terror groups and was working to curb the menace, but more sincere efforts were needed to tackle the issue. (ANI)