ISI tells Pak political leadership Taliban in complete control of Swat
9 Oct 2008, 1608 Hrs

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Islamabad, Oct 9 In the in-camera joint sitting of both the Houses of the parliament yesterday, Pakistan?s political leadership was told by the country?s military and sleuths of intelligence agency ISI that the Taliban was in complete control of some districts in NWFP, like Swat and Shangla.

They apprised the politicians, including MPs, chief ministers and governors of all four provinces, chiefs of all the major political parties, about the methods of the Taliban in indoctrinating the young boys into taking to terrorism, and also about the torture methods used on abducted militarymen.

Newly-appointed ISI Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha briefed the parliamentarians about the difficulties the Pakistan Army was facing in the operation against the terrorists. The military was capable of dealing with the threat, he added.

Gen Pasha also explained the methods the Taliban and terrorists employed to brainwash and train young people and used them against Pakistan?s military. Besides, he also told the parliament about the torture methods they used on abducted soldiers that included throwing acid in their faces, reported the Daily Times.

The sources said the participants were disturbed by the grim details and most of them remained silent during and after the briefing.

Gen Pasha said 1368 troops had died in the fight since 2001, and the military had killed 2825 Taliban and terrorists including 581 foreigners. Some of them were crossing into Pakistan from Afghanistan to fight Pakistani troops in Bajaur, Gen Pasha said and added that the US and Afghan authorities had been informed.

He also said that the rules of engagement with the US-led forces in Afghanistan clearly state that only Pakistani forces would take action against targets inside Pakistan, but the US forces had committed 35 aerial incursions into Pakistan so far. (ANI)