Pakistan denies holding off attacks on al-Qaeda

Pakistan today dismissed reports it was resisting pressure from the United States to begin attacks on al-Qaeda fighters in the…

Pakistan today dismissed reports it was resisting pressure from the United States to begin attacks on al-Qaeda fighters in the west of the country.

"We are extending full cooperation and that cooperation is

acknowledged and appreciated," said foreign ministry spokesman Mr Aziz Ahmed Khan.

The Washington Postyesterday quoted US officials as saying the major remaining concentrations of fighters from bin Laden's al-Qaeda network were in the Waziristan border area of western Pakistan rather than in Afghanistan.

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But Pakistan is believed to fear an internal political backlash, both in the unruly border area and from Islamic extremists nationwide, if it takes military action against the suspected al-Qaeda members.

AFP