Amidst increased international concerns over the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, the Director General of the Strategic Planning Division, Lt. Gen. Khalid Kidwai told reporters that at least 10,000 troops were deployed to safeguard the nuclear facilities in Pakistan1.

President Musharraf, in Davos to attend the World Economic Forum, on January 23 held a meeting with the US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and reaffirmed his intention to reinstate democratic rule in Pakistan2.

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry spokesman stated on January 22 in Islamabad that the Scotland Yard team would be allowed to interrogate Aitzaz, the boy arrested in case of Benazir Bhutto’s assassination3. Reports noted that the US Consulate in Karachi was also amongst other targets4.

Among other developments, as a result of the ongoing military operations, 50 militants were arrested in South Waziristan and some areas were cleared of militants by the
Army5. Significantly, Maulvi Abdul Raziq, a close aide of Fazlullah was also detained in the Kot area of Charbagh in Swat on January 25 by the police.

• 1. “Security at nuclear facilities boosted,” Dawn, January 27, 2008 at http://www.dawn.com/2008/01/27/top3.htm
• 2. Khaleeq Kiani, “Musharraf assures Rice on democracy,” Dawn, January 24, 2008 at http://www.dawn.com/2008/01/24/top6.htm
• 3. Syed Irfan Raza ,“Scotland Yard to be allowed to quiz suspects: Cheema,” Dawn, January 23, 2008 at http://www.dawn.com/2008/01/23/top4.htm
• 4. “US mission was next on list: BB murder suspect,” Dawn, January 22, 2008 at http://www.dawn.com/2008/01/22/top3.htm
• 5. “50 militants held in Waziristan: Army,” Daily Times, January 20, 2008 at http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008\01\20\story_20-1-2008_pg1_4; “Army says some areas cleared of militants: Clashes in S. Waziristan,” Dawn, January 25, 2008 at http://www.dawn.com/2008/01/25/top1.htm