Pakistan to Improve Diplomatic Sec Following Allegations of British Spying

[UpInArms]

http://www.voanews.com/article.cfm?objectID=1B6E99B1-E06B-4A5C-B3E8A3F7F4AD0DC3

Pakistan says it is improving security at its diplomatic posts around the world, following allegations that Britain illegally planted listening devices at the Pakistani embassy in London.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesman Masood Khan did not specify Monday what new security measures would be implemented, but said the move would cover all of Pakistan's foreign posts.

He says Pakistan was caught off guard by alleged British spying on its London embassy, officially known as the Pakistani High Commission, learning of the allegation through the British newspaper, The Sunday Times.

...more...

[Barrett808]

1. MPs now question MI5 espionage on Pak

London, Nov. 9: The row over the bungled MI5 operation against the Pakistan high commission here has spiralled further as MPs demand to know why the espionage was apparently carried out without the approval of UK home secretary David Blunkett.

The operation, revealed by The Sunday Times last week, has raised concerns among MPs that MI5 may be running a team of rogue agents to carry out illegal bugging.

Under the cover of restoration work at the high commission in Belgravia, London, MI5 agents stole secret codes used by diplomats for sending messages to Islamabad.

They also worked out how to bug an internal telephone system and closed-circuit television camera in the office of Abdul-Kader Jaffer, then Pakistan high commissioner to the UK.

(more)

http://www.asianage.com/main.asp?layout=2&cat1=3&cat2=32&newsid=76733&RF=DefaultMain

[dArKeR]

2. Pakistan probes bugging allegations

Pakistan yesterday urged British authorities to break their silence on reports that MI5 infiltrated and tried to bug its embassy in London, saying Pakistanis were "aghast" and angry at the alleged operation.

"So far the FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) has said that they do not comment on intelligence stories... We have drawn a blank from other parts of the British government," foreign ministry spokesman Masood Khan told a weekly news briefing.

http://www.etaiwannews.com/Asia/2003/11/11/1068514795.htm