The controversial nuclear scientist A.Q. Khan reportedly confessed that Pakistan had sent centrifuges to North Korea in 2000 and that the army, including President Musharraf, had “complete knowledge” of the transaction. Khan was speaking to the Associated Press on telephone on July 41. Reports noted that the statement would spark bitter controversy in the country, cause huge embarrassment to the army and could add to the worries of Gen. Musharraf.

Meanwhile, US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher visited Pakistan on June 30, his second visit during the year. During talks with Prime Minister Gilani, Boucher articulated American concerns regarding the failing law and order situation in FATA as well as the deterioration in Pakistan’s internal politics2. Addressing a press conference on July 2, the US official defended President Musharraf’s policies, noting that issues like the food crisis and combating militancy required urgent3.

In other developments, security forces successfully cleared the Bara town in Khyber Agency of militants, with out facing much resistance4. Operations were however withheld at the request of the tribal jirga which intended to conclude a truce with the militants5. Prime Minister Gilani also issued directives asserting that operations to curb militancy ought to be “result-oriented and conclusive6.” Meanwhile, at least 30 soldiers were taken hostage in Kurram by local tribesmen suspecting them to be members of a rival group on June 307.

• 1. “Centrifuges delivered to N Korea with Musharraf’s consent: Dr Khan,” The News, July 05, 2008, at http://thenews.jang.com.pk/arc_default.asp
• 2. Syed Irfan Raza, “Cold war among coalition parties worries US: Boucher concerned over Fata situation,” Dawn, July 01, 2008, at http://www.dawn.com/2008/07/01/top1.htm
• 3. Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Militancy, food crisis real issues: Boucher,” Dawn, July 03, 2008, at http://www.dawn.com/2008/07/03/top3.htm
• 4. “Forces clear Khyber, Tirah is next,” Daily Times, June 30, 2008, at http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008\06\30\story_30-6-2008_pg1_1
• 5. Ibrahim Shinwari, “Operation put on hold in Bara; jirga opens talks,” Dawn, July 05, 2008, at http://www.dawn.com/2008/07/05/top2.htm
• 6. Shamim-ur-Rahman, “PM wants Fata action to be result-oriented: Operation launched with allies’ consent: Sherry,” Dawn, July 03, 2008, at http://www.dawn.com/2008/07/03/top1.htm
• 7. Hussain Khan, “30 soldiers taken hostage in Kurram,” Dawn, July 01, 2008, at http://www.dawn.com/2008/07/01/top3.htm