Gilani says terrorists will be forced to lay down arms
ISLAMABAD, May 11 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Monday vowed to force the militants to lay down arms and said the writ of the government will be established at all cost. Making a policy statement on the situation in the Swat region, he said the anti‑state elements were bent upon destroying peace and de‑stabilizing the country.
“No matter how strong they (terrorists) may get, they cannot fight with the armed forces of Pakistan. We will soon force them to lay down their arms,” the Prime Minister said.
“These terrorists are out there trying to destabilize and conquer Pakistan. They have their own agenda. They don’t have a religion and are working under their foreign masters.”
Prime Minister Gilani said that a resolution was passed by this house during the last session on Nizam‑e‑Adl Regulation with an understanding that the other side will ensure peace in Malakand division.
He said the resolution was passed despite criticism of the government, respecting the traditions and culture of the area and the agreement the provincial government had signed with all sincerity.
The Prime Minister regretted that instead of ensuring peace, the writ of the provincial government was challenged, personnel of the law enforcing agencies were made hostage, the government property was destroyed or forcefully occupied.
In these circumstances, he added, the government was left with no other option but to order military operation against the militants and terrorists.
All the stakeholders had agreed that the operation in the area had become unavoidable and the parliamentarians belonging to Swat, Buner, Shangla and other adjoining areas were taken on board prior to the action, he said.
The Prime Minister dispelled the impression and the fear amongst some sections of the society that the army action might fail or it might not achieve the desired results within a specific time.
“I assure the house that the whole nation is united,” he said, adding that the armed forces were called out after taking into confidence all the political parties and stakeholders.
He said that the militants had laid down mines in the area in an attempt to inflict maximum casualties during relaxation in curfew, but these were cleared by the Pakistan army personnel.
Gilani urged all politicians to support the government at this critical juncture as it was not the time to do politics.
“These are a handful of people (terrorists) who are not sincere to Pakistan. Inshallah, we will fight them bravely and strengthen the defence of the country.”
Prime Minister Gilani also announced a comprehensive strategy for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and announced that a special support group at federal level will be constituted which will organize an international donors conference.
He said all the matters relating to the IDPs will be looked after by the NWFP government and the role of the special support group, headed by Lt. Gen. Nadeem Ahmed, will be that of a coordinator.
He said Lt. Gen. Nadeem has been chosen in view of his experience for rehabilitation and reconstruction during the 2005 earthquake.
Prime Minister Gilani said the support group will have a senior representative each from the ministries of interior, health, information, foreign affairs, cabinet and finance.
He said the support group will organize registration of IDPs, provide them medical cover and manage camps.
The Prime Minister said that the minister for information will be the focal person to brief media about the activities of the support group, while minister of state for finance will be the focal person for international donors.
He said the NWFP government will make an assessment of the damages to the property in the areas where army action is being taken and added that these areas might be exempted from taxes.
Prime Minister Gilani said that the government has announced Rs 1 billion for the IDPs and Rs 500 million have already been transferred to NWFP government.
He stressed the need for latest equipment and capacity building of Frontier Constabulary and Frontier Corps as, the Prime Minister added, military operation was not a permanent solution to the problem.
He said the areas also require bomb‑resistant police stations and jamming of illegal FM radio transmission to counter negative propaganda.
The IDPs, he added, have rendered great sacrifices and have done so “to make our future secure and to save Pakistan.”
He urged the people to donate generously for the displaced persons and urged the parliamentarians to visit their camps.
Associated Press Of Pakistan ( Pakistan's Premier NEWS Agency ) - Gilani says terrorists will be forced to lay down arms