Pakistani authorities on Sunday, announced rewards for information leading to the capture, dead or alive, of 11 militant commanders, including a bounty of Rs 50 million for local Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud. According to an advertisement issued by the North West Frontier Province government, Maulvi Faqeer Muhammad, the Taliban deputy chief based in Bajaur tribal region, carries a reward of Rs 10.5 million.
The advertisement said, "Innocent Muslims and their children are killed due to the bloody activities of the wanted militant leaders. Their inhuman, condemnable and cruel actions not only defame Pakistan but also bring disrepute to Muslims across the world. These killers of human beings deserve punishment," it said, asking people to help the government in bringing the militant leaders to justice.
The advertisement also said the names of people providing information will be kept secret. A bounty of Rs 10 million each has been announced for commanders Hakeemullah Mehsud and Qari Hussain, both based in South Waziristan, Abdul Wali and Qari Shakeel, both based in Mohmand Agency and Tariq, based in Kohat district. Rewards of five million rupees each were announced for commanders Qari Zia-ur-Rehman and Wali-ur-Rehman, both based in Bajaur Agency, Fazl Saeed Utezai, based in Kurram Agency, and Mufti Ilyas, based in Kohat. Last month, the NWFP government had announced rewards for information leading to the arrest of 21 militants from Swat valley, including its commander Maulana Fazlullah.
