Friends fear don may be ‘exposed’ to his rivals

LAHORE: The fate of Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar, India’s most wanted fugitive, hangs in the balance as his hosts in Pakistan have imposed more restrictions on his movement in the federal capital, Islamabad, and warned him not to try to travel either to Nepal or Saudi Arabia.

His well-wishers in the establishment fear that he may eventually be ‘exposed’ to his underworld rivals if India exerts further pressure on Pakistan for his deportation.

According to intelligence sources, Dawood has become a burden for Islamabad in its role as an ally in the US war on terror. They said the establishment is finding it increasingly tough to shield Dawood, who has been listed as a global terrorist by the US for his alleged al-Qaeda links and for whom Interpol has issued warrants.  

The sources said the gangster is alarmed by the restrictions imposed on his movements and has expressed his desire to move to Nepal, where his gang has established a vast network. But his handlers refused him permission to leave Pakistan, primarily because he knows too much.

The sources said that instead of giving Dawood safe passage to Nepal, South Africa, Kenya, or Saudi Arabia, the ISI would prefer to bump him off so that he cannot become a security risk for Pakistan.

About the possibility of his crossing over the border to India for a possible surrender, the sources said it is practically impossible for him to reach India alive.