Pakistan concerned over "Indian influence" in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan Thursday expressed concern over the "increased Indian role" in Afghanistan and said that Islamabad would remain neutral in the Afghan affairs. "Pakistan has serious concerns about India using Afghan territory to destabilize Pakistan," Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said at weekly press briefing. Basit said Pakistan is ready to play a constructive and positive role in Afghanistan but it is for Afghanistan to determine such a role.

The spokesman told a questioner that three American soldiers killed Wednesday in Lower Dir in the country's northwest were from amongst the trainers who are training personnel Pakistani law enforcing agencies in the context of counter-insurgency capabilities.

To a question he said Pakistan has strongly taken up the matter of strip search of Pakistani passengers at the U.S airports with American authorities.

"The issue was also raised during recent visit of American special envoy Richard Holbrooke and he told Pakistan that it has already been discussed with the Homeland Security Department," he said.

The spokesman hoped that the Homeland Security would review the discriminatory procedure and withdraw it.

He expressed dismay over unexpected verdict of the American jury to find guilty of attempted murder a U.S.-educated Pakistani woman, who was arrested in Afghanistan and accused of shooting at her U.S. interrogators.

American prosecutors accused Aafia Siddiqui of firing at her interrogators but her lawyers said there was no forensic evidence that the shooting took place.

U.S. authorities have linked Siddiqui to Al-Qaeda but she was not charged with any terrorism related activities. in Aafia Siddiqui's case.

Reacting to the judgment Foreign Office spokesman said the government will consult family of Aafia and the team of defence lawyers to determine future course of action.

Pakistan made extensive diplomatic and legal efforts on her behalf, he said, adding that the President, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister took up the issue at different levels of U.S. administration for her release on compassionate grounds. Under instructions of the Prime Minister, Aafia was also extended all legal support through Pakistan's Embassy in Washington.

The spokesman said Pakistan will try and do its best to secure her release.