Everyone, including most international intelligence, knows that Osama bin Laden’s favorite hideouts are Afghanistan and Pakistan. And it is almost clear that the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks is in Pakistan. But Pakistan has persistently been refusing to shelter the most wanted man in the world.
In a recent statement, Pakistan’s Major General Waheed Arshad has denied that Osama bin-Laden is in Pakistan at the moment. He has also refused to admit that Pakistan isn’t the epicenter of all terrorist activities in the region and has passed the buck to neighboring Afghanistan.
Such denials and blame-games are not too uncommon from the senior ranks officials of a military regime headed by President General Pervez Mushraff that has frequently been found wanting in tackling delicate issues.
Taliban insurgency, fed by suspected al-Qaeda back-up, has been steadily rising in Pakistan, but the fact is that the President has failed to address the issue or come up with any strategy to combat the swelling insurgency.
International pressure, especially from the US, has intensified in recent months, however, the President remains somewhat adamant on his point that bin Laden is not hiding in the tribal areas of Pakistan but in the mountainous and obscure regions in Afghanistan.
Pakistan is confronting political uncertainty even after the conclusion of the Presidential elections earlier this month. Observers have repeatedly pointed out that to fight terrorism inside Pakistan, Mr. Musharaff should take the help the local tribal chiefs, but the Pakistani leader has consistently failed to respond positively to the idea.
The question whether bin-Laden is indeed taking refuge somewhere in a hidden corner in Pakistan still lurks heavily in the air. And it’s high time now that President Musharaff start some serious effort in finding out a reasonable answer.
Image Source: China Daily
Source: RIA Novosti
