ISLAMABAD, Nov 9: The influx of foreign militants into Wana is continuing from neighbouring countries, making it difficult for Pakistani security forces to combat terrorism, says Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Sherpao.

Talking to Dawn on Tuesday, the minister said that intelligence reports suggested that about 100 wanted terrorists were still present in Wana. "In addition to these terrorists, more are still coming in from neighbouring countries," the minister said.

He talked about the involvement of a foreign hand in providing financial assistance to terrorists and foreign militants seeking refuge in Pakistan-Afghanistan border areas.

Referring to the whereabouts of Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, the interior minister said: "I believe Osama is not in Pakistan. He must be somewhere in Afghanistan. He is quite familiar with places in Afghanistan where security forces personnel have so far not gained access. He has an ample opportunity to hide there."

Mr Sherpao said after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the law and order situation in Pakistan had completely changed because foreign militants from various countries had entered into Pakistan through Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

The country's security forces, he said, had so far satisfactorily tackled terrorists. "Despite some bomb blasts, our law-enforcement agencies have foiled many attempts of sabotage and saved hundreds of lives," he said.

He said terrorists had mingled with the local population in Wana and made it more difficult for the security forces to conduct a massive operation against them. "In order to avoid collateral damage, we cannot conduct an operation with full military might there," he said.

The minister said that bomb explosions had occurred in Sialkot, Multan, Lahore and Karachi after the killing of top Al Qaeda operative in Pakistan Amjad Farooqi.

He said the recent kidnapping of Chinese engineers from tribal areas was a matter great concern for the government.

"Our security forces tried their best to get them released from the custody of foreign militants but unfortunately one of the Chinese lost his life in the commando operation," he said.

He said that foreign militants in Wana did not have a regular supply line but the possibility of foreign support could not be ruled out.

DEWEAPONISATION: The interior minister said he would hold a meeting with senior officials of law-enforcement agencies from all provinces and the centre after Eid to review the overall law and order situation and address the issue of arms smuggling.

However, he said the situation regarding availability of illicit weapons in the society was under control after former Interior Minister Lt-Gen (retd) Moinuddin Haider had launched a deweaponisation drive in the country.

"We have evidences of continuing gun running activities in the country and provinces have been directed to take appropriate steps to check this menace," he said.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING: The minister said a number of steps were being taken to control human trafficking as it was tarnishing the country's image abroad.

Responding to a question about concerns reportedly expressed by the UK over an increase in human trafficking from Pakistan and the allegations of involvement of some parliamentarians in the crime, the minister said that the UK and the US had never informed Pakistan about the involvement of any parliamentarian in the heinous business.

Mr Sherpao said that the government was making effective amendments in the Human Trafficking Ordinance to ensure maximum prevention of illegal immigration.

Similarly, an Anti-Trafficking Unit had been formed in the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and a modern shelter plan had been initiated to facilitate the victims of human trafficking.

He said that prosecution of such cases had been accelerated and as a result the rate of conviction in human trafficking cases remained high this year. "So far, 47 cases of human smuggling have been decided this year."

The minister said that automation of security system at airports (PISCES) and Machine Readable Passport System (MRPS) would go a long way to effectively check human trafficking.

FOREIGN AID: The interior minister said many coalition partners in the war against terrorism had assured Pakistan of financial and technical assistance to curb terrorism.

He said a large chunk of the US aid to Pakistan was in the pipeline which would help the country to strengthen its internal security and combat terrorism.

SHARIF FAMILY: Responding to a question about the government's stance over the return of former prime minister Mian Nawaz Sharif and his brother and former chief minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif on the burial of their father Mian Sharif in Pakistan, the minister said they had never applied to the government to permit them to return to Pakistan.

He said that they had left the country under a deal between the Pakistan and Saudi governments, therefore, they needed to seek permission for their return from both the governments.