The United States has accused Pakistan’s main spy agency of deliberately
undermining Nato efforts in Afghanistan by helping the Taliban and Al-Qaeda
militants they are supposed to be fighting.
President George W Bush confronted Yusuf Raza Gillani, Pakistan’s prime
minister, in Washington last week with evidence of involvement by the ISI,
its military intelligence, in a deadly attack on the Afghan capital and
warned of retaliation if it continues.
The move comes amid growing fears that Pakistan’s tribal areas are turning
into a global launch pad for terrorists.
Gillani, on his first official US visit since being elected in February, was
left in no doubt that the Bush administration had lost patience with the
ISI’s alleged double game.
Bush warned that if one more attack in Afghanistan or elsewhere were traced
back to Pakistan, he would have to take “serious action”.
Gillani also met Michael Hayden, director of the CIA, who confronted him with
a dossier on ISI support for the Taliban. The key evidence concerned last
month’s bombing of the Indian embassy in Kabul, which killed 54 people,
including the military attaché.
An intercepted telephone conversation apparently revealed that ISI agents
masterminded the operation. The United States also claimed to have arrested
an ISI officer inside Afghanistan.
Yesterday ministers said they had left Washington reeling from what they
described as a “grilling” and shocked at “the trust deficit” between
Pakistan and its most important backer.
“They were very hot on the ISI,” said a member of the Pakistan delegation.
“Very hot. When we asked them for more information, Bush laughed and said,
‘When we share information with your guys, the bad guys always run away’.”
“The question is why it’s taken the Americans so long to see what the ISI is
doing,” said Afra-siab Khattak, provincial president for the Awami National
party which runs the government in the Frontier province bordering
Afghanistan. “We’ve been telling them for years but they wouldn’t buy it.”
The American accusations were categorically denied by Rehman Malik, Pakistan’s
de facto interior minister. “There is no involvement by the ISI of any form
in Afghanistan,” he told The Sunday Times. “We requested evidence which has
not yet been given.”
Malik admitted that in meetings in London, senior British government and
intelligence officials had also told him they were convinced of ISI
involvement in the embassy bombing.
It is the first time the White House has openly confronted Pakistan since just
after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on Washington and New York when General
Pervez Musharraf’s regime was told to drop its support for the Taliban or be
bombed back to the Stone Age.
Musharraf agreed and went on to change the director of the ISI and build a
close relationship with Bush who described him as his “best friend”. But
many middle-ranking officers continued to hold close links with militants
built up over 20 years since the mujaheddin was fighting the Russians in
Afghanistan.
There were persistent reports of Pakistani territory being used for terrorist
training camps and recruitment. Foreign journalists were banned from Quetta
“for our own security” – those of us who have ventured there to investigate
have generally ended up arrested.
President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan has repeatedly accused Pakistan of
harbouring Taliban leaders, providing lists of addresses and at one time
claiming that its leader, Mullah Omar, was living in a military cantonment.
For the West, confronting Islamabad is a risky strategy as Pakistan’s support
is critical to the war on terrorism. Afghanistan is landlocked and much of
the logistical support and food for the 53,000 Nato troops, including water
for the British forces in Helmand, has to be shipped into Karachi and driven
through Pakistan.
“It’s a calculated risk,” said a western diplomat in Islamabad, pointing out
that Pakistan could not afford to do without US aid, which averages £1
billion a year. The military has also benefited: only last week four more
F-16 fighter jets were handed over to the air force.
An open challenge to the ISI was welcomed by Nato troops operating in
Afghanistan, particularly the American forces fighting in the east.
For years their commanders have expressed frustration at militants coming
across the border to take pot shots at them, before moving back to the
sanctuary of the triba areas. These areas are seen as the new battleground
in the war on terror. Originally created by the British as a buffer between
the Indian empire and Afghanistan, they stretch along Pakistan’s 1,500-mile
border with Afghanistan.
As the poorest and most backward part of Pakistan with a literacy rate of just
3%, but fiercely martial, they are the breeding ground for militant groups.
Political parties are not allowed. As militant groups have grown in
influence, local people have nowhere else to turn.
Most of the attacks on US soldiers in eastern Afghanistan are ordered by
Maulvi Jalalud-din Haqqani, who operates from Miramshah in North Waziristan,
and whom the United States believes to have close ties with Al-Qaeda.
Neighbouring South Waziristan is dominated by Baitullah Mehsud, a former gym
teacher, whose Pakistan Taliban is believed by the CIA to be responsible for
the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, the former prime minister, last
December.
“The security of Pakistan, Afghanistan, the entire region and maybe that
of the whole world will be determined by developments in the tribal areas
over the next few months,” said Khattak.
The United States has carried out a number of bombings and missile strikes
inside the areas, although each time the key targets seem to have escaped.
So concerned is the Bush administration that the ISI is tipping militants
off that in January it sent two senior intelligence officials to Pakistan.
Mike Mc-Connell, the director of national intelligence, and Hayden asked
Musharraf to allow the CIA greater freedom to operate in the tribal areas.
Of particular US concern was the ISI’s alleged involvement with Haqqani, one
of its former allies, and its links to Lashkar-i-Toiba, a Punjab-based
militant group, which is thought to have been behind the attack on an
American outpost in Kunar last month in which nine US soldiers were killed.
Many US intelligence officials have long suspected that ISI officers accept
their money and then help their foes, but it has been difficult to find
proof. In June the Afghan government publicly accused the ISI of being
behind an assassination attempt on Karzai in April and threatened to send
their own troops into the border. But they were unable to produce any
concrete evidence.
“The Indian embassy bombing seems to have finally provided it. This is
the smoking gun we’ve all been looking for,” a British official said last
week.
On the eve of the Washington visit, the Pakistan government tried to tame the
ISI by announcing that it would henceforth come under interior ministry
control. It was forced to revoke the decision within three hours after angry
phone calls from the army chief.
Malik, on behalf of the government, claimed the decision had been
misinterpreted. “What we were trying to do was bring national security and
the war on terror under the interior ministry but it was wrongly announced,”
he said.
US officials say the number of attacks on their soldiers in Afghanistan have
increased by 60% since the civilian government took power this year.
There is widespread disillusion with Gillani’s government after elections in
the wake of Bhutto’s assassination brought her Pakistan People’s party (PPP)
to power as head of a coalition government. Nearly six months on, Musharraf
is still president.
In a reflection of who really calls the shots, while the government party was
in Washington Lieutenant-General Martin Dempsey, acting commander of
Centcom, the US military command, was in Islamabad handing over F-16 fighter
planes and holding meetings with the top brass. A British officer who was
present at the meeting said Pakistani generals had spoken of their
frustration with the civilian government: “They said they were still waiting
for a signal to act in the tribal areas. To be honest, none of us could
think of a thing they had done in six months.”
The sensitivity of the intelligence issue became clear on Friday night when
Sherry Rehman, the information minister, acknowledged to journalists that
the ISI might still contain pro-Taliban operatives. “We need to identify
these people and weed them out,” she said, only to change her
statement later to maintain that the problems were in the past and there
would be no purge.
For its part, Islamabad says America is interested only in countering attacks
in Afghanistan and gives it no help to confront militants causing problems
in its own territory nor vital equipment, such as drone spy planes.
Pakistan ministers were particularly incensed when the United States launched
a missile strike inside one of the country’s tribal areas on Monday,
while the government party was still en route to Washington. “It was the
first thing I read on my BlackBerry when I got off the plane,” said a member
of the delegation. “What a nice gift.”
Offer of Inquiry into Kabul attack
Pakistan yesterday offered to investigate the bombing of the Indian embassy in
Kabul on July 7, in which 54 people died and 140 were injured. It was the
bloodiest attack in the Afghan capital since the fall of the Taliban in
2001. Nobody has claimed responsibility.
A suicide bomber drove a lorry laden with explosives into the embassy gate
during the morning rush hour, wounding and killing many of those queuing for
visas. The embassy is in the centre of Kabul.
The main target seemed to be a diplomatic convoy that had just entered the
gate. Among those killed were two senior diplomats including the military
attaché, Brigadier Ravi Mehta.
Just read comments from Indians, all showing haterd for pakistan and then they would tell the WHOLE WORLD that pakistanis hate us.
West and pak used these people against USSR n when u abandon people after usage,they react and we can say they react really badly.
most commentators dnt know history
imran, reading, u.k
it is true that pakistan never want to afghanistan have peace enviroment and afghan governament or people are rise there estblishment thats way the are try to make it difficual to the nato forces in afghanistan and afghan governament.
thanks for the big brother to determain and uncoverd pakistan.
abasin, coventry, englang
As being Pakistani I don’t mind to accept that yes Pakistan Army and ISI helped in founding the Afghan Militants (Taliban), but did any body tried to look back in past . It happened in Afghan USSR war when USA was giving them (Afghan Militants) unlimited funds and training so that they can fight a
Haroon Latif, Surrey , UK,
S. Arabia uses Pakistanies in the front for spreading the devlish interpretation of Islam. They are brain washed to do the dirty work of terrorisng and killing the innocent. Mulhas need teachings in humanity. Let us all create heaven on earth and dont kill or die for illusive heaven somewhere else.
Tarlok Phul, London, UK
"Rogue" elements indeed? A country which is CREATING and EXPORTING Terrorism to all over the World like Taleban, Al-Qeada, LeT, names are not ending. I am not blaming them (PAK), they don't have other option to earn money to cope-up with the world. So, let them do, but there will be an end for all.
Vinod Kumar, Dubai, UAE
The posts diverting attention from Pakistan's stellar contribution to terrorism prove the fundamental problem is the denial / sympathy many Pakistanis feel vis-a-vis their terrorists. This stems from a culture of too little self-criticism, partly created by too much violent religious enforcement.
Vivek Tandon, Mumbai, India
Pakistani military is almost 80% of the economy. Pakistan has no legal basis to exist. Granted they do then Pakistan needs to be de-militarised by the world. Pakistan has exported suffering to its neighbours and the wider world as soon as it came into being and continues to do so. This must end now!
Simon Williams, Wellington, New Zealand
At the moment, its the world against Pakistan. How can it survive? It fed millions of those who are now voicing against it. Disintegration or annihilation is not the solution of problem. I have worked all over Pakistan. Its not the people rather the landlords or influentials inciting masses.
Shiraz Mehmud, Karlskrona, Sweden
"Rogue" elements indeed? A country which created the Taleban, supported Al-qeada, exported nuclear technology, takes billions of money to eradicate terrorism but in fact is the engine of terror, replaced Afghanistan as a safe haven for Global Jihad - this is Pak. Govt. Policy not "Rogue" elements.
Rahul Bhandari, London, England
Very revealing. How long can the farce continue? As you sow, so shall you reap - The seeds of terrorism planted by the terror gardeners of ISI will lead them to the bitter fruit of internal turmoil and international black listing.
PD. Delhi, India
Pradeep Dutt, Delhi, India
It is time to disarm ISI and the Pakistan army. This will allow region to become safer and give fiscal space for a general improvement of civilian life. Ordinary Pakistanis who are dispossed of life, liberty and persuit of happiness would then be able to lay the foundations of a stable democracy.
Billoo Bhai, London, Uk
So, after November American soldiers going back home, Al-qieda-isi recruit more terrorits...more bombs...more killings...what else do you need mary???
bob, london, uk
what a load of rubbish by our pakistan goverment, the exteneded family of theirs has got the hand in the cookie jar, the new goverment is only good at lineing their own pockets.
qureshi, london, uk
November is coming, the White House's mad president is leaving...and the American army will come back home in one year.No one believes Bush & Cia after the Iraq.
mary, milan, italy
Saudi Arabia is suffering in silence because of ISI and Al Quida! SA’s armed forces are mainly made up of Pakistanis into which ISI can penetrate without any effort. The moment SA stops free flow of oil and other aids to Pakistan, SA will start bleeding like India. SA is blackmailed!
Ravanan, London,
Pakistan from the beginning, created and helped these fundamental Islamists as a way to fight India in Kashmir. Now, they are using these fanatics to fight the west in Afghanistan. Another sensitive issues is the border dispute over Durrand Line, which was signed by British India and Afghanistan..
Jawad, New York,
To fight terrorism and supply NATO troops, the West needs to dump Pakistan. Liberate Baluchistan from Pakistan, as Baluchistan has 700 miles of coast line.
Baluchis want to be independent of oppression by the corrupt Pakistani military, they murdered Baluchi leader 79-year-old Newab Akbar Bugti.
Chaney, Texas, USA
ridicilous to say uall read the tabloids and know the history. pakistan it self is a victim of bombings of its civilians. isi may or may not have rouge agents becoz their isnt any evidence given to support the claim. pakistan has helped america and america knows it too.
adi, yorkshire, england
Pakistan was from beginning an artificial country. The people there lost their Indian identity and had no national identity to replace it. From this identity crisis arose a fabricated islamic identity which cannot replace national identity and led to inferiority complexe and terrorism.
John, Atlanta, GA
"It's been common knowledge for many years that the ISI is behind the Taliban. ?"
So who financed, equiped and trained the ISI and Taleban? Alistair, time to look closer to home. Who drew borders between Pashtun tribal areas. The West had a big stake in this mess, and will continue to make a mess.
T. Andre, London,
It's been common knowledge for many years that the ISI is behind the Taliban. Why is this subject only being raised now?
Alastair, Alicante, Spain
Not only the ISI the entire military mechanism in Pakistan should be dismantled and kept under UN control, until this country clears up the mess it has created. Most terrorists as well as supporters of terrorism are of Pakistani origin. Strict vigil must be kept on all
Pakistani immigrants.
McWilliam, Toronto , Canada
don't get carried away with dirty politics ! Do afghans realy want presence of foreign troops on their soil. has anyone really asked them this democratic question ? this is the real issue now rather than India and Pakistan.
aejaz, salford,
While the US donates £1 billion, Saudi Arabia has just agreed free oil for Pakistan, as they have done in the past, worth many $ billions.
The true "home" of Al Quaeda is anywhere that extremism gets strong enough to overcome reality and human decency. They infect the wounds of the world.
Mike, Newmarket, UK
it all started with creation of "Durand Line". look at the mess now!!!! is anyone going to learn lessons from the history???
spart, london, UK
India is the 6th largest biggest bilateral donor in Afghanistan.with present commitments of over $850 million.
Israr better think before speaking.
Spyridon, Thessaloniki, Greece
Israr -a typical Pakistani response, whining about India. You jokers have created the mess by your incessant hatred for India and the sheer stupidity to hand over your country to a parasitic army that has killed more Pakistanis than any Indian 'enemy'. You have made your bed, now lie in it.
H Trivedi, London, UK
There are many moslems in Britain & Continental Europe who would not hesitate to aid mass murders of civilian population by jihadist extremist groups if given the opportunity - there's nothing out of the ordinary for Pakistanis to support these depraved set of people in committing murders anywhere.
Gunalan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
WORLD WAR 3 in all but name !!!!!
ian payne, walsall,
Pakistan is ground zero when it comes to world-wide Isalmist related terrorism. All major world terrorist acts of the last few years can be traced to Pakistan. This phenomena is based on the world view of dividing the world into believers and non-believers.
Derek Columbus, New York, USA
Google: Bush Pakistan “serious action”.
You get one hit: this article.
Explanation: Christina Lamb.
Another "exclusive".
Mohab Dinkerhoff, Buda TX, USA
all the world knows about the isi doubal game in afghanistan but all the alies close their eyes on that game, thanks god now they realise. these all cames from the holy war and now the musharaf deals all the contact who is the chief. the civilian governament is looking but didnt do anything.
ghayur, bada zayed, uae
how we got here is not relevant to solving the problem at hand. no one can kill thousands of people (i.e., ISI rogue elements, extremist taliban/al qaeda, and their pashtun supporters). the only solution is to find a political solution in which the west + taliban must each compromise and negotiate.
ali, dubai,
Mark my words !
Thre REAL al quaeda is ISI and Pakistani army. They recruit, indoctrinate, finance, shelter, Train and protect terrorists. The chronology of events of the past like 911 , 07/07, bombings in India they all started as soon as Pakistan got Nukes with chinese help. NUCLEAR BLACKMAIL !!
ARNA, Rochester, MN, USA
Putting blame on someone is easy. India supported former USSR during Afghan invasion of '79. If India was really suppoting truth and justice in Afghanistan it would have atleast provided humanatarian assistance to the people in Afghanistan. Not sure whay is active today in Afghanistan.
Israr, Wilmington, USA
Nice to see the US, British and allies, including media, waking up from slumber once in a way!
Bush and many in US are still in dreamlands. Some more dead bodies from Afghanistan may wake them.
Tough task with "ISI’s alleged double game" with lies in Pakistan and their agents’ right inside!
Krishna R. Kumar, Udupi, India
great article about this subject
tran, San diego,
The US should cut off aid to Pakistan. The US cannot trust any promises from these troublemakers. They would only use the drones against India and not fight their friends in the tribal areas.
The West should never have let them get nuclear weapons.That is holding back the US use stronger action.
VC, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
Certainly, Pakistan has long been the Sick Man of the region, belching forth virulent fanaticism and hate ideology, backed by rampant violence and destruction. The ISI has become the audacious spearhead of a state-sanctioned policy in ruthless pursuit of this. Their game must be shut down.
Sanjay, Toronto, Canada
"Rougue" spies. Yeah, right. The Taliban was developed and supported by the entire ISI amd probably the entiire Pakistani military. Because they must maintain influence in Afghanistan as a "mountain redoubt" in th event of an Indian invasion, they can't accept the Karzi Gov. Too Western.
Phrank, Park Forest, USA
U 'created' the mess, Bush, by giving billions to an already corrupt regime. Pakistan has been fleecing the West for ages. Their Intelligence Unit has been part and parcel of the 'infrastructure' that has been providing support and shelter for both terrorists and drug dealers. Your services knew.
elfin, Birmingham, ,