Pak Colonel among three to face court martial for spying

The three men were arrested by the military intelligence in Rawalpindi in May. Their families told the BBC that they had been informed that the three men will face court martial proceedings for spying.

Chief military spokesman Maj Gen Athar Abbas said he was aware that some persons were being investigated for spying but he did not have any knowledge about the court martial.

The three men are currently in the Armys custody in Kotli district of PoK,but there was no official word on allegations levelled against them.

BBC quoted its sources as saying that they had been accused of leaking secrets about the Pakistan Air Force base at Shamsi in Balochistan and inciting army officers to commit acts of terrorism.

Former Army Chief Gen Mirza Aslam Beg had claimed a few months ago that the Shamsi airbase is being used by the US for drone flights to strike targets in Pakistans tribal areas.

The court-martial will be conducted by court headed by a Brigadier under the provisions of the Army Act. If the accused are convicted,they could be given the death sentence. PTI

McChrystal: Qaeda is being weakened

Washington: Americas top General in Afghanistan Stanley McChrystal said that the al-Qaeda is being weakened and the United States build-up in the country includes more terrorist-hunting forces.

McChrystal said: Al-Qaeda will continue to be made less and less relevant around the world8230; I think it is being proven8230; Their organisation is being weakened. I do think its important that Osama bin Laden be brought to justice in some way,not as complete closure,but as a step toward closure. PTI