ISLAMABAD: Authorities are currently investigating intelligence reports about the presence of CIA-recruited locals in Swat, Buner and other adjoining areas and plan to take up the issue with the Obama administration if the probe proves the reports correct.
Pakistan will launch a strong demand for immediate halt to such unwarranted activities, unless the investigation proves otherwise. Civilian and military leaders were already perturbed by CIA’s recruitment drive in North Waziristan and other Tribal Areas and took up the matter in the Pak-US strategic dialogue, warning that such actions, if continued, would harm bilateral ties.
“Despite the warning by Islamabad, we saw the US media suggesting that the US was trying to expand covert CIA operations to eliminate militant havens in the Tribal Areas. And if that was not enough, we are now receiving reports about the presence of dozens of CIA’s local agents in Swat, Buner, Dir and other nearby areas,” a senior security official said wishing not to be named.
The Fazlullah-led Taliban, part of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, once controlled almost whole of Swat region before they were driven out by a military operation last year. The official said authorities were currently vetting intelligence reports about CIA’s activities and officials were being sent to Swat and other areas to gather additional information, the official said.
“If the reports are correct, it is going to create serious problems and there will be a deep negative impact on ties with the US,” he said. The reports seemed to be credible, according to initial probe, but since it was a serious issue, authorities needed to go through all aspects before arriving at a final conclusion, he added.
Another Pakistani official confirmed the intelligence reports. He said the CIA apparently wanted to keep an eye on the remnants of the Swat Taliban, but still, the authorities had to take serious exception, as it was a matter of country’s sovereignty.
“And we also need to know whether these agents are being used for purposes other than spying on the Taliban,” the official said. “All we need is solid proof and once we have it, the issue will be raised with Washington,” he said.
