PESHAWAR, Pakistan, May 8 (UPI) -- Pakistan Saturday extended a deadline for foreigners living in a tribal belt on Afghanistan's border to register with local authorities.
Pakistan had earlier asked all foreigners living in the South Waziristan tribal area to register by May 8 or face arrest. On Saturday, military officials in South Waziristan said the deadline has been extended for two more days.
Pakistani and U.S. officials believe many Taliban and al-Qaida terrorists are hiding among foreigners living in that area. By ordering foreigners to register, Pakistani authorities hope to isolate the terrorists and then arrest them, officials said.
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said Friday he believed Pakistan was as keen as the U.S. and Afghan authorities to catch terror suspects hiding in the tribal area.
