ISLAMABAD – Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Wednesday informed the National Assembly that his ministry was devising a new strategy to tackle terrorism by introducing a new performa for foreigners and Pakistanis visiting abroad.
“Under the new mechanism, which will be introduced within a few days, there will be a proper check on foreign scholarships offered to Pakistani students, while Pakistani artistes visiting other countries will also have to seek a no-objection certificate (NoC) from the Interior Ministry,” he said.
The minister said an upgraded passport form, with additional columns covering details of the applicant’s visits abroad, would be introduced while Pakistani visa seekers would also have to submit their details. “It would be mandatory for all foreign companies operating in Pakistan to submit an affidavit containing details of their employees and activities,” he added.
Malik said sectarianism was a conspiracy being hatched against Pakistan, which was tantamount to undermining the law enforcement agencies’ success achieved in the war against terrorism. “Due to Islamabad’s pressure, Brahamdagh had to leave Kabul. But five new militants are active there, who want to sabotage the success achieved against terrorism,” the minister said.
He said Lashkar-e-Jhangvi was an organisation of infidels. Talking to reporters later, the minister said, “I will not talk about the Raymond Davis case as Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has given a clear-cut policy statement on the issue.”
