official statement by the foreign ministry in Islamabad. Note how the Pakistani government plays both sides of this event: it wants the world to know that it is against Al-Qaeda, has a history of fighting terrorism and cooperating with US and the international community, however, it will not admit any involvement in this particular operation, nor does it explicitly praise the operation or even admit to knowledge about it. The statement declares that the operation was part of “declared US policy” and implies that President Zardari was told about the operation after the fact, ostensibly trying to shield itself from all the people screaming about another violation of Pakistani sovereignty.

Statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan

PR. NO.150/2011
Date: 02/05/2011

Death of Osama bin Ladin

In an intelligence driven operation, Osama Bin Ladin was killed in the surroundings of Abbotabad in the early hours of this morning. This operation was conducted by the US forces in accordance with declared US policy that Osama bin Ladin will be eliminated in a direct action by the US forces, wherever found in the world.

Earlier today, President Obama telephoned President Zardari on the successful US operation which resulted in killing of Osama bin Ladin.

Osama bin Ladin’s death illustrates the resolve of the international community including Pakistan to fight and eliminate terrorism. It constitutes a major setback to terrorist organizations around the world.

Al-Qaeda had declared war on Pakistan. Scores of Al-Qaeda sponsored terrorist attacks resulted in deaths of thousands of innocent Pakistani men, women and children. Almost, 30,000 Pakistani civilians lost their lives in terrorist attacks in the last few years. More than 5,000 Pakistani security and armed forces officials have been martyred in Pakistan’s campaign against Al-Qaeda, other terrorist organizations and affiliates.

Pakistan has played a significant role in efforts to eliminate terrorism. We have had extremely effective intelligence sharing arrangements with several intelligence agencies including that of the US. We will continue to support international efforts against terrorism.

It is Pakistan’s stated policy that it will not allow its soil to be used in terrorist attacks against any country. Pakistan’s political leadership, parliament, state institutions and the whole nation are fully united in their resolve to eliminate terrorism.

Islamabad 02 May 2011