By Mazhar Abbas
KARACHI, Aug 22 (AFP) - An influential Islamic cleric has offered to resolve Pakistan`s ongoing battle with Al-Qaeda-linked fighters hiding in the tribal areas along the Afghan border, saying Islamabad is acting only in the interest of the United States.
After several bloody clashes Pakistani authorities have been unsuccessfully pressing conservative tribes to expel hundreds of Chechen and Uzbek fighters who sneaked into the bordering region after the Taliban was driven from power in late 2001.
"I can not only mediate but also resolve the issue of foreigners, whom they call Al-Qaeda," said Pakistani Islamic leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman Sunday.
Rehman is considered influential in the ethnic Pasthun community in North West Frontier Province and is respected by the tribes living in the area.
"Only we have the capability to handle this situation. Now it is up to the government whether they want our cooperation or not," he told AFP.
Rehman, whose Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) party backed the Taliban regime in Afghanistan until its ouster by US-led forces in late 2001, said the government was "mishandling" the situation in the tribal South Waziristan region.
"They are playing with fire and pursuing an American agenda. It could lead to disaster for the rulers," he said.
"For them every Arab has become Al-Qaeda member. This is not the way. Give us a chance and we will handle it," he said.
An air and ground offensive in the Shakai valley, 25 kilometers (15 miles) northeast of South Waziristan`s main town of Wana, destroyed several hideouts in June.
The five-day operation left 65 militants and 18 soldiers dead.
Rehman also criticised recent raids on madrassas (religious schools) and the arrests of Islamic clerics over suspected links to Al-Qaeda.
He said hundreds of Islamists had been locked up without charges and a cleric "Qari Noor Mohammad died in custody after being tortured".
"Killing of people in the tribal areas and raiding madrassas is not in Pakistan`s interest."
He said the six-party Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal religious alliance and the Federation of Madrassas will meet here next Saturday to discuss launching a campaign against the arrests and raids on madrassas.
Officials Sunday said intelligence agencies unearthed an Al-Qaeda-linked plot to kill high profile civil and military officials and attack key sites, including the US embassy and the military headquarters.
Around a dozen local and foreign militants were arrested.
Interior Minister Faisal Saleh Hayat said a cleric at Islamabad`s Red Mosque, Abdul Rashid Ghazi, was a coordinator in the planning.
Rehman denied Ghazi`s involvement in terrorist activities.
"I know him and can say with confidence that he could never be involved in any such plot," he said.