BLAST-MALIK 2LST

Turning to investigations into the suicide bombing of the
UN World Food Programme Office, Malik said police have found
out how the suicide bomber reached Islamabad and also
identified the car used by him and the handler.

"We also have information about the persons involved in
executing the terrorist plan and facilitating the terrorists,"
he said. Malik said investigators had uncovered more links but
declined to give details saying this could affect the probe.

Five persons, including an Iraqi national and two women,
were killed when the suicide bomber struck at the World Food
Programme office on Monday.

The attacker, who was disguised as a paramilitary
trooper, gained entry to the heavily guarded building by
telling private security guards that he wanted to use the
toilet.

Malik said law enforcement agencies have arrested 58
terrorists in Islamabad and its surrounding areas in recent
months.

Replying to a question on the situation in the troubled
tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, Malik said the Taliban are
present in the region and a military operation against
militants in South Wazirstan was on the cards due to demands
from the public.

The date for launching the operation will be finalised
within the next few days. "After the successful operation in
Swat, there is an overwhelming public demand for an operation
to eradicate the Taliban from the Federally Administered
Tribal Areas too. They have paralysed daily life in these
poverty-stricken areas," he said.

"So far, four jirgas (tribal councils) have called on
government officials and insisted that an operation should be
launched in their areas," Malik said. PTI