NWFP minister blames 'foreign hands' for string of blasts in Peshawar

Islamabad, Nov.25 (ANI): North West Frontier Province (NWFP) Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain has blamed 'foreign hands' for the recent wave of terror attacks in Peshawar.

Addressing a press conference here, Hussain said the series of bomb blasts that have rocked Peshawar in the recent past were a reaction to the ongoing military offensive in South Waziristan.

"Peshawar also witnessed similar pressure when the government initiated military operations in the Malakand and Swat areas," he said.

Hussain said extremists from Gulf and European countries and Uzbek, Chechen militants have been operating in the region for over 20 years, and that the fact they were being supported by local militants can not be denied.

"These terrorists have only one agenda, to create unrest, and destroy the people, their property and destabilise the country," The Daily Times quoted Hussain, as saying.

Responding to a question regarding the presence of Afghan refugees, the minister said all those who are living in the country illegally should move out.

When asked about the presence of controversial private US security firm, Blackwater, in Peshawar, Hussain said: "America's influence has always been there, but it should not be mixed up with terror activities." (ANI)