President Zardari announces establishment of army base in Swat

[HAIDER]

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari, while addressing to nation in the wee hours of Friday, has termed the ongoing army offensive against suspected extremists in Swat and Malakand Division as the ‘war of Pakistan’s survival’.

“We are waging war against those suspected extremists who want to impose their agenda on us”, president asserted adding, “Self proclaimed Taliban are actually against the dissemination of knowledge and education as they have smashed many schools and colleges of girls across Swat and other areas of NWFP”.

President accused Taliban of assassinating many innocent people including Mohtarmam Benazir Bhutto.
President Zardari announces establishment of army base in Swat


From Dawn.com
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari vowed late on Friday night to continue war against terrorism till its logical end, announced the establishment of a cantonment in Swat and an increase in the salary of armed forces personnel equivalent to their one-month basic salary.

In his brief address, Mr Zardari commended security personnel fighting militants in Malakand for rendering invaluable sacrifices and said those who ‘are engaged in military operation in Malakand will get immediate increase. Others … will avail this facility from July 1.’

Denouncing Taliban for sowing terror, the president said: ‘Killing religious scholars like Dr Sarfaraz Naeemi, blowing up schools, killing doctors administering anti-polio drops and desecrating graves is not Islamic at all,’ he said.

He said the nation had now waken up to the Taliban threat and accused them of invoking Islam to take over the country. ‘We will, however, win the war against militants with the support of the people, political parties and parliament.’

Mr Zardari praised displaced people for showing courage and assured them that things would soon improve soon enough to make their return to Malakand possible.

The president said that the government had decided to set up a pay commission for government servants.

 

[muse]

Good - now get ready to set up bases in North and South Waziristan and in the entirety of Balouchistan.

 

[HAIDER]

Can anyone define Army Garrison ?

 

[Xeric]

http://www.defence.pk/forums/nation...-presidents-adress-nation-13-june-2009-a.html

 

[kidwaibhai]

I think that this means that the army will have a base in swat

 

[qsaark]

Actually whole Pakistan should be converted into one huge garrison and cities should be established within the perimeters of this garrison. This reminds me of the dark ages when people used to live inside the garrisons. This bagger government does not have money to spend on education and health but is willing to finance the establishment of a garrison from scratch. The only solution of every problem is the military presence?

 

[Xeric]

What exactly is the doubt about?

It is simple Swat would be having a Swat Cantt within.

Now that's what i call 'taking over' a country

Zardari did step on many tails this time!

 

[qsaark]

If an area can no longer be controlled by the civilian governments and permanent presence of military is required, this right there is a sign of civil unrest even mutiny. Mutiny may be crushed by brutal force but the hearts of the people can not be won by this and sooner or later, they'll revolt. Unless of course fundamental changes are made in the system like the USA did after the civil war. But are our leaders wise enough? Can they forgive even invite the former enemy into the government? I really doubt about this.

 

[HAIDER]

But not rest of developed cities, area like Swat will be in good shaped after establishment of garrison. Better medical facilities, good schools and colleges. Better infrastructure , more jobs for locals.

 

[qsaark]

But not rest of developed cities, but area like Swat will be in good shaped after establishment of garrison. Better medical facilities, good schools and colleges. Better infrastructure , more jobs for locals.

Yes but what makes you think that all this (Better medical facilities, good schools and colleges. Better infrastructure, more jobs for locals) not possible without a garrison? In fact what we see in Sawat is a direct result of neglecting that area so badly. No development could take place if a garrison is not there? What kind of philosophy is this?

 

[Xeric]

Here is the list that fairly shows the cantts in Pakistan, let's see how this new one would HARM Pakistan.


List of Cantonment Boards in Pakistan

[edit] Baluchistan

* Ormara Cantonment
* Quetta Cantonment
* Zhob Cantonment
* Khuzdar Cantonment

[edit] N.W.F.P.

* Abbottabad Cantonment
* Bannu Cantonment
* Dera Ismail Khan Cantonment
* Kohat Cantonment
* Loralai Cantonment
* Mardan Cantonment
* Nowshera Cantonment
* Peshawar Cantonment
* Risalpur Cantonment
* Havelian Cantonment

[edit] Punjab

* Attock Cantonment
* Sanjwal Cantonment (adjacent to Attock Cantt about 5 KM distance)
* Bhawalpur Cantonment
* Chaklala Cantonment
* Gujranwala Cantonment
* Jhelum Cantonment
* Kamra Cantonment
* Kharian Cantonment
* Multan Cantonment
* Murree Gali Cantonment
* Murree Hills Cantonment
* Okara Cantonment
* Rawalpindi Cantonment
* Sargodha Cantonment
* Shorkot Cantonment (PAF Rafiqui)
* Sialkot Cantonment Board
* Taxila Cantonment
* Lahore Cantonment
* Wah Cantonment
* Walton Cantonment (Created out of the southern parts of the original Lahore Cantt.)

[edit] Sindh

* Clifton Cantonment
* Faisal Cantonment
* Hyderabad Cantonment
* Karachi Cantonment
* Korangi Creek Cantonment
* Malir Cantonment
* Manora Cantonment
* Pano Aqil Cantonment

[edit] Azad Kashmir

* Mangla Cantonment

 

[HAIDER]

So Pakistan is " Cantt Republic of Pakistan "....lol

 

[AgNoStiC MuSliM]

I think you have to also look at the 'message' being sent with this move, to multiple parties.

First the Taliban - The Taliban want the Military operation in Swat to end, and have stated that they will continue to carry out terrorist attacks until that goal is met. The announcement of a military cantonment is a very strong response to that demand. Hell No! Not only are we not stopping the ops, we also plan on making the military presence permanent.

Second the locals - the locals who are against the Taliban will definitely gain a confidence boost from this. Many will be reluctant to return, fearful of the Government betraying them again and leaving them to fend for themselves against a resurgent and vengeful Taliban. A permanent military presence in Swat indicates a long term commitment and presence, and may be reassuring for those returning and rebuilding.

It may also spur other locals into coming out and publicly supporting the Military and GoP in this war, with Laskars and intelligence, with renewed confidence in the military's intent to stay.

Third the people of the rest of Pakistan - I think many may still remain unconvinced that the Army will continue this latest offensive, regardless of what the official statements are. Pakistanis have seen so many offensives halted, and so many peace deals made, that they can probably be excused for being so jaded about the commitment of the GoP and Military. Setting up a permanent military presence may also reassure this important 'silent majority' that the government means business, and will play hard and play to win.

I think the announcement and construction of a military cantonment will have a significant impact, and is a welcome move.

 

[AgNoStiC MuSliM]

P.S: I'm not merging this thread with the other one in the National Politics section since this is focused more specifically on the construction of the cantonment, whereas the other is focused on the entire speech.

 

[TOPGUN]

Good news! bad news for the bastards lol.