Pakistan rejects claims al-Qaeda strengthening on its soil

ISLAMABAD, Saturday (AP) Pakistan yesterday rejected claims that the al-Qaeda terror network is strengthening and building worldwide connections from safe havens in the South Asian country. Top US spy John Negroponte told the US Senate on Thursday that Pakistan contained crucial sanctuaries for al-Qaeda, the “terrorist organization that poses the greatest threat” to the United States.

“We have captured or killed numerous senior al-Qaeda operatives, but al-Qaeda's core elements are resilient,” said Negroponte, the director of national intelligence (DNI).

The terrorists are “cultivating stronger operational connections and relationships that radiate outward from their leaders' secure hideout in Pakistan to affiliates throughout the Middle East, North Africa and Europe,” he said.

Pakistan's foreign ministry described the comments as “questionable criticism” and urged Negroponte to acknowledge the country's role in breaking the back of al-Qaeda, responsible for the September 11 attacks in 2001.

The ministry said Pakistan had done more than any other country to fight terrorism, a feat that had been recognised by the White House and the international community.

“Pakistan remains committed to fighting international terrorism and extremism. In this endeavour, the focus must always remain on cooperation instead of questionable criticism,” the ministry said in a statement.

Negroponte said Pakistan is “a frontline partner in the war on terror” that has captured several al-Qaeda leaders. “Nevertheless, it remains a major source of Islamic extremism and the home stop for some top terrorist leaders,” he said.

“Many of our most important interests intersect in Pakistan, where the Taliban and al-Qaeda maintain critical sanctuaries,” Negroponte said.

He made the comments to the Senate Select Intelligence Committee as part of his office's annual threat assessment. Pakistan said although al-Qaeda elements were active in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe, “it would be incorrect to link them to any remnants of al-Qaeda in Pakistan.””When Mr. Negroponte mentions the capture and killing of hundreds of al-Qaeda members since 9/11, he should acknowledge the efforts of the country that made this possible,” the foreign ministry statement said.

Pakistan would continue to pursue al-Qaeda remnants as well as other terrorists and extremist elements, the statement said. “We are addressing this challenge first and foremost in the interest of our security and peace and development of our society,” it went on.

Pakistan says it has arrested more than 700 al-Qaeda operatives but consistently denies claims that al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden is hiding in its rugged tribal territory bordering Afghanistan.