No links between Pak Army, ISI and Headley : ISPR

Islamabad, Apr.1 (ANI): The Pakistan Army has denounced reports that David Coleman Headley, a Lashkar operative who has been charged with scouting targets for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, had named three Pakistan Army and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officials for their direct involvement in the 26/11 attacks.

A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) termed the report as false and fabricated, and said that they were aimed at maligning the image of the Pakistan Army and the ISI.

“There is absolutely no link or connection between the army, ISI and David Headley,” The Daily Times quoted the statement, as saying.

The report appears to be part of an overall design with a malicious intent to bring disrepute to Pakistan’s national security organisations, the statement added.

Headley had pleaded guilty to all the 12 charges of conspiracy involving bombing public places in India and providing material support to foreign terrorist plots and Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), besides aiding and abetting the murder of six US citizens in the Mumbai attacks.

Headley, 49, has been cooperating with U.S. investigators since his arrest in October and faces up to life imprisonment.

Headley had promised to cooperate and provide testimony in exchange for a pledge that he would not be extradited to India, Pakistan or Denmark. (ANI)

Security stepped up in Islamabad

Islamabad, April 2 (IANS) Security was tightened in this Pakistani capital Thursday after intelligence reports warned of a possible terror strike, Geo TV reported.

‘Additional contingents of security personnel have been deployed on Constitution Avenue and the Red Zone and additional check posts have also been established in some areas,’ the channel said.

‘Security organiSations and officials on entry and exit pickets have been directed to be vigilant,’ it added.

The alert comes in the wake of two terror attacks in Lahore last month that have been blamed on intelligence failures.

In the first, terrorists March 3 ambushed a bus carrying the Sri Lankan cricket team to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium for the third day’s play in the second cricket Test against Pakistan.

Eight people, including six security personnel, were killed in the attack, which prompted the Sri Lankan government to immediately call off the tour and bring the team back home.

Six Sri Lankan players and the team’s assistant coach were also injured in the assault.

On March 30, a group of heavily armed terrorists stormed into the Manawan police academy on Lahore’s outskirts and held hundreds of trainees hostage for over eight hours before security forces recaptured the complex.

Eight of the attackers were killed and three were captured alive. Eight trainees and two civilians also died in the assault.

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)