The government has found no evidence of Al Qaeda's presence in Mohmand Agency, Federal Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao told a delegation of tribal elders from the agency during a meeting on Saturday. "There is no Qaeda network in Mohmand Agency," Sherpao said, adding, "Mohmand Agency is a peaceful area." Sherpao also welcomed the ceasefire by militants in North Waziristan. He issued a warning to "forces" that were creating "hurdles in the way of free and fair elections", but did not name the "forces". He said that a committee had been formed to shortlist prospective officers for the post of political agents, adding that only candidates with a sufficient knowledge of tribal traditions and customs would be appointed political agents. He said the government would soon introduce "positive reforms" in the political administration of the tribal region.