ISLAMABAD, Dec 30: The government on Sunday put on its website recording of a telephone conversation between alleged Al Qaeda leader in Pakistan, Baitullah Mehsud, and one of his companions, in which they purportedly felicitate each other on the target killing of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

However, the recording seems unconvincing and raises doubts about its credibility and genuineness.

Usually militant groups take responsibility of any high-profile terrorist attack but a spokesman for Baitullah has reportedly denied the government’s claim that he or Al Qaeda was involved in the assassination.

But Interior Ministry spokesman Javed Iqbal Cheema insisted in a press briefing on Saturday that it was the act of Baitullah. “It suits Baitullah if he avoids taking responsibility of the assassination,” he said.

When reporters raised questions about the genuineness of the transcript and asked how the telephone call had been tapped, spokesman said it was a technical and secret matter and he could not give its details to the media.

Opinion

Who bears the cost?

Who bears the cost?

This small window of low inflation should compel a rethink of how the authorities and employers understand the average household’s

Editorial

Internet restrictions
23 Dec, 2024

Internet restrictions

JUST how much longer does the government plan on throttling the internet is a question up in the air right now....
Bangladesh reset
23 Dec, 2024

Bangladesh reset

THE vibes were positive during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent meeting with Bangladesh interim leader Dr...
Leaving home
23 Dec, 2024

Leaving home

FROM asylum seekers to economic migrants, the continuing exodus from Pakistan shows mass disillusionment with the...
Military convictions
Updated 22 Dec, 2024

Military convictions

Pakistan’s democracy, still finding its feet, cannot afford such compromises on core democratic values.
Need for talks
22 Dec, 2024

Need for talks

FOR a long time now, the country has been in the grip of relentless political uncertainty, featuring the...
Vulnerable vaccinators
22 Dec, 2024

Vulnerable vaccinators

THE campaign to eradicate polio from Pakistan cannot succeed unless the safety of vaccinators and security personnel...