Police: German wearing burqa arrested leaving Pakistan’s tribal area
By APMonday, June 21, 2010
Police: German detained in NW Pakistan
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan — A German man wearing a burqa was detained Monday after leaving Pakistan’s militant heartland close to the Afghan border, security officials said.
The man was in a vehicle with a local man and his young daughter when he was picked up at a check post in Bannu district, which borders North Waziristan, said police officer Ghulam Farid.
A burqa covers the entire body, including the face. It is worn by most women in northwestern Pakistan when they leave the house.
North Waziristan is a known sanctuary for al-Qaida and the Taliban and has long drawn foreign militants.
Farid said the German, who was not identified, was being questioned by security officials.
Western governments are concerned their nationals are traveling to the region to hook up with al-Qaida and plot or train for terrorist attacks at home.
Foreigners are not allowed to visit Bannu, Waziristan and parts of the Afghan border region without permission.
