US cash awards for Pakistani terrorist spotters

By Khalid Hasan

WASHINGTON: The US government has launched a month-long advertising campaign in Pakistan to publicise the financial rewards offered for information leading to the capture of terrorists believed to be in the region.

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s Rewards for Justice Programme will run advertisements in Pakistani newspapers as well as air the message on Pakistani radio and television stations in both the Urdu and Pashto. The initial print advertisement published in a an Urdu daily featured photos and reward amounts for terrorists who may be in the region, such as Osama Bin Laden, Midhat Mursi al-Sayid Umar and Mulla Omar.

The secretary of state has authorised rewards up to $25 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Osama Bin Laden or Ayman Al-Zawahiri. Rewards also may be paid for information leading to the arrest or conviction of terrorists attempting, committing, conspiring to commit, or aiding and abetting in the commission of terrorist acts against Americans and US property worldwide. Since its inception, the Rewards for Justice Programme has paid more than $57 million to 43 people who have provided credible information that has resulted in the capture or death of terrorists or prevented acts of international terrorism.

An official announcement describes the programme as one of the US government’s most valuable tools in the fight against international terrorism. Established by the 1984 Act to Combat International Terrorism, the programme is administered by the Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security.

Pakistanis or others with information to report should call the US Embassy in Islamabad at 2080-0000.

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