Pakistan recruits leaflets in war on terror

PAKISTAN'S military airdropped pamphlets this week over towns in restive tribal regions near the Afghan border urging tribesmen to "shun foreign terrorists", saying they were part of a Hindu and Jewish plot.

The pamphlets were dropped over Wana, the main town in South Waziristan, and Miranshah in North Waziristan as part of a campaign to win support among tribesmen who have shown sympathy for both Taleban and remnants of al-Qaeda living among them.

A reporter in Tank, a town close to the boundary with the semi-autonomous tribal agency of South Waziristan, obtained one of the pamphlets, bearing the sign-off "Well Wishers, Pakistan's Armed Forces".

Titled "Warning", the pamphlets said the foreign militants were fighting against Pakistan in connivance with "Jews and Hindus", a term that would play on traditional prejudices among the region's Muslim conservatives.

"They [foreign militants] not only pose a danger to our sovereignty, but also are creating troubles for our people," read the pamphlet, which appeared in both Urdu and Pashto language versions.

"You should stay clear of these terrorists. Don't let them come close to your areas and houses, and protect your land against them."