Pak PM denies presence of Osama in Balochistan

Islamabad, Apr 8 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has rejected the presence of al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in Balochistan.

"It is not our perception that the al-Qaeda chief is in any part of our country," The News quoted Gilani, as saying.

About the threat posed by Baitullah Mehsud, the Prime Minister said the government was fully aware of its responsibility towards the people and the nation and would take its own appropriate measures.

In response to a question regarding expenditure on the war on terror, he said: "First we spend the money and it is then reimbursed by the USA."

Commenting on the recent wave of terror attacks inside Pakistan, Gilani said he had held the meeting on law and order which was attended by the Chief Ministers of four provinces, including the Prime Minister of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, and during the meeting a national strategy was evolved to overcome the menace of terrorism.

Regarding the situation in Swat, the prime minister said the government had decided to evolve the regulations enforced during the PPP government in 1994.

He said consultations were in progress with the NWFP Governor and the provincial government.

"As soon as the complete peace was restored, the president will sign the regulation," Gilani added. (ANI)