Islamabad: Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Thursday refuted reports of differences between President Asif
Ali Zardari and Pakistan Army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani,
saying rumours in this regard were being floated by certain
elements.
There are "no differences whatsoever" between the
President and the army chief and "some elements with ulterior
political motives" were floating rumours, Malik told a news
conference at the parliament house.
Media reports over the past few weeks have said that
differences had emerged between the army and the presidency
over conditions attached to US aid to be provided under the
Kerry-Lugar law.
The army has publicly expressed its concerns on this
issue, saying the strings attached to the aid could affect
national security.
Replying to a question, Malik said there were no US
Marines or personnel of the Blackwater private security firm
in Pakistan. "I reassure people that not a single American is
allowed into Pakistan without the stamping of visa. There are
only 411 American nationals in Pakistan, out of whom 286 are
diplomats while others work with NGOs," he said.
Asked to comment on reports about the UN commission
probing former premier Benazir Bhutto`s assassination had
delayed its visit to Pakistan, Malik said the panel had
certain concerns due to the recent wave of terrorist attacks.
This was the reason behind the delay in its visit, he said.
Bureau Report
