Terrorist Plotting World Cup Attack Nabbed: Pak Minister

Islamabad, Mar 24 (PTI): A terrorist plotting to target the ongoing cricket World Cup has been arrested, according to Pakistan interior minister Rehman Malik, who claimed there was a "serious attempt" to carry out a terror attack during the tournament.

Rehman Malik, who did not identify the nationality or the affiliation of the alleged terrorist, made the revelation at a joint briefing with Interpol chief Ronald Noble here, saying that the International Police Organisation had helped to uncover the plot.

New Delhi had been informed of the plot, the Pakistan interior minister said, as he also claimed that the Taliban had spread its tentacles to India.

Malik said there were reports that the Taliban had started their activities in India and that he had warned the neighbouring country's government of this menace.

"Let's not forget that terrorists have got no boundary or religion. There are several indications that the Taliban have started their activities in India," Malik said addressing the joint news conference with Noble.

"I am saying this on record and I have also informed India. We must work together to stop the work of terrorists," he added.

Malik however did not give details of the Taliban's "activities" in India.

He said there was a "serious attempt" at carrying out a terrorist attack during the ongoing cricket tournament and that a terrorist was arrested.

He claimed that the arrested man had no connection with Pakistan and information about the incident was being shared with India.

Noble too said a possible terrorist attack on the World Cup was averted with Pakistan's help.

"Last week, with the help of Pakistan, we identified and arrested the terrorist who had left Karachi... Thanks to the cooperation (of Pakistan) and other countries, we were able to make sure that the World Cup remains safe," he contended.

Earlier this month, India had sounded an alert about possible terror attacks during the World Cup and had said that they had taken measures for the security of the tournament.

Noble lauded Pakistan for collecting data on terrorists and announced aid worth two million Euros.