Govt. taking targeted action against criminals in Khyber Agency: Rehman

ISLAMABAD: Federal Advisor on Interior Rehman Malik has denied that the government is conducting any operation in Khyber Agency (KA) saying it is targeted action against criminals. In an interview with BBC radio, he said it cannot be called an operation as this is targeted action against people who have made bases in some schools and madrasahs.
He denied the impression that Taliban had taken over some areas. The Advisor said there are some pockets of criminals who were creating problems for local people and the government is wiping out those pockets.
He said if there is to be launched any operation it will be carried out by the provincial government as law enforcement is the responsibility of the provincial government.
However, he said if provincial government needed any force the federal government is ready to provide them.
“We will be able to reinforce the writ of the government,” he added.
To a question, he said there is no need to take action inside Peshawar.
To another question, he said the government did not sign any agreement in FATA. The objective of the government is to maintain rule of law in FATA.
Replying to a question, he said, the government has signed agreement in North Waziristan adding,”we are holding talks with the people and Maliks and elders of the areas who are seeking government’s help.”