'Osama not in Chitral', District Nazim

CHITRAL, 22 Dec 06: ‘There is no sign of Osama bin Laden or any other wanted person in Chitral', said district Nazim Chitral Haji Maghfirat Shah at an all parties meeting  cum press conference at his office. A news report was broadcast from BBC Urdu Service few days back quoting statement of one Said Akbar resident of Arundu district Chitral who was arrested by Afghan forces at Asadabad province of Afghanistan and he reportedly confessed before Afghan authorities that he played a vital role in shifting Osama Bin Laden from Kunar Province of  Afghanistan to Chitral Pakistan. Representatives of all political parties including Bar Council, Trade Union, All teachers Association, NGOs, Religious leaders etc strongly condemned the report. They said that statement of Said Akbar before Afghan authorities was planted and totally baseless. They said Chitral was a peaceful place of peaceful people. Due to the stern geographic and harsh weather conditions it was virtually impossible for a stranger to be hiding here. The newly arrived District Coordination Officer Flt Lt. Kamran was also present on the occasion. (GH Farooqi)

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