Survey of prayer leaders ordered

* Rehman Malik says no decision yet on launching operation in Waziristan
* Calls on US to share information on presence of Al Qaeda leadership in Balochistan

By Tahir Niaz

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rehman Malik directed the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to conduct a countrywide survey of prayer leaders.

The directive followed concerns expressed by senators over the nationality of prayer leaders, at a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior. The survey would help determine the nationality, qualification, background and sects of prayer leaders across the country.

Malik said he would meet the prime minister on Monday to finalise the name for an inter-madrassa board. He said every madrassa student would have to opt for at least three "modern subjects".

No decision: He said no decision had yet been made on the launch of an operation in Waziristan, but foreign militants were being targeted in the area.

US information: Addressing reporters later, Malik dispelled the impression that Al Qaeda and Taliban leaders are present in Balochistan. He said Pakistan had asked the US several times to provide relevant information, if any, on the presence of Al Qaeda leadership in Quetta, and reiterate the demand.

Malik also said ended speculation over a US assault on Taliban and Al Qaeda leadership in Quetta, saying Quetta was not on the US hit list. He said no foreign agency was active in Pakistan.

He said intelligence agencies had told the government that terrorists may target sensitive installations and political personalities.

Malik said the Interior Ministry had so far found the record of about 90,000 passports issued to Afghan nationals. "I have ordered the authorities to cancel these passports immediately," he added,

He said nobody was extradited to Saudi Arabia in exchange for the release of Pakistanis involved in a drug-smuggling scandal.