Pakistani PM Calls for World's Help, Police Seal Off Area Around bin Laden’s Home

إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية W460

Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday called for the world's help in fighting "terrorism and extremism" after the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden near Islamabad.

"Security and the fight against extremism or terrorism is not the job of only one nation," Gilani told reporters in Paris, where he met with French business leaders.

"We need the support of the entire world," he added.

"We are fighting and paying a heavy price to combat terrorism and extremism... fighting not only for Pakistan but for the peace, prosperity and progress of the whole world."

His comments came amid tension between Pakistan and the United States due to skepticism about how bin Laden went uncaught for years, amid U.S. suspicions that he might have spent much of that time hiding in Pakistan.

Referring to western powers, Gilani said: "Instead of giving negative messages on Pakistan, they should send positive messages to Pakistan."

Meanwhile, Pakistan stepped up security in the neighborhood where bin Laden was killed after crowds had flocked to his one-time villa home.

Police barred the media and public from the Bilal suburb of the garrison town of Abbottabad.

"More than 300 armed policemen have been deployed at the entry points, as well as in the town and close to the house, for security reasons," a local police official said on condition of anonymity, without giving further details.

Just over a dozen army troops were also seen moving into the area and standing guard in front of the house.

Local residents returning to their houses were body-searched and their ID cards checked, with some laborers prevented from going to work in the area, an Agence France Presse reporter said.

Several hours later, about half a dozen officials arrived in a fleet of three vehicles and entered the building.

There was no word from police and other authorities about their identity.

Senior police personnel inspected the area before the team's visit and journalists were asked to leave. Police officials said earlier that an army general was expected to arrive.

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