Seven nationals of Scandinavian countries arrested from Balochistan: Malik

nterior Minister Rehman Malik on Friday disclosed that several nationals of Scandinavian countries have been arrested from Balochistan, as Senator Raza Rabbani, who also heads the parliamentary committee on National Security, questioned the government regarding the presence of Norwegian spy agency in the country.

Rabbani raised the matter on a point of order and referred to the disclosure of Norway security chief Kristiansen regarding presence of the `E wing` of Norway`s military intelligence in Pakistan.

"Who allowed a foreign country under what agreement to establish its intelligence network in Pakistan," he questioned, adding that it was important to know whether they got permission from government of Pakistan prior to establishing their network.

He further asked that whether there was any reciprocal arrangements and Pakistan has also such network in Norway.

Norwegian security chief Janne Kristiansen had earlier made a startling disclosure in her country's parliament (Stortinget) that agents 'E wing's' agents were present in Pakistan.

Rabbani further said that the disclosure that led to resignation of the Norwegian security chief was very sensitive matter and presence of a foreign spy agency on Pakistan's soil was not a good sign.

Responding the point of order, Rehman Malik said that no one take permission for espionage activities from the host country.

He said that in Pakistan only the country's Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) were allowed to carry out such activities on behalf of the government of Pakistan and they were answerable to the prime minister of Pakistan.

"Existence of foreign intelligence network in Pakistan is a serious matter and I will take it up with the prime minister," he said.

After discussing the matter with the prime minister, Malik said that he would be able to brief the House in details.

He also urged Rabbani to provide the details in written so that a detailed report could be presented before the House.

Malik also disclosed that some nationals of Scandinavian countries have been arrested from Balochistan, who were carrying fake documents.

He further said that most of the foreigners involved in illegal activities moved to Balochistan because of the poor law and order situation in the province.

He, however, said that special instruction had been issued that every foreign citizen must have permission from government before going towards Balochistan and explain his/her purpose of the visit.

He further said that vigilance had been increased to check the movement of foreign nationals in the country.

Meanwhile, the House referred "The Delimitation of Constituencies (Amendment) Bill‚ 2011" to the Standing Committee on Law and Parliamentary Affairs for further consideration and removal of ambiguity in some of its clauses.


http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/single/599/172/1144825/