State Information and Broadcasting Minister Tariq Azim Khan told the Voice of America in an interview this week that the United States had apologised to Pakistan for the January 13 attack on Damadola village in Waziristan, which resulted in the death of many women and children.While this is the first time that a Government of Pakistan official has claimed that the US apologised for the attack, no such apology has been made here publicly for the incident. In fact, the US has not even expressed regret for the loss of civilian lives. Tariq Azim also said that the government had permitted no outside power to carry out military activities in the country. He called criticism of the recent deal between the government and the tribal leaders in Waziristan as being based on a lack of knowledge. He said foreigners living in the tribal areas would not be allowed under any circumstances to involve themselves in terrorist activities.