PM, COAS decide to change strategy to fight terror

ISLAMABAD - Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani Monday evening briefed Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani about his China visit and the latest developments in tribal areas, especially in the backdrop of his recent interaction with the tribal elders. In the one-on-one meeting, which lasted for about one hour, Gen. Ishfaq Pervaiz Kayani briefed the Premier about his recent visit to China and the interaction with his Chinese counterpart and other senior military and political leadership of Pakistan's all weathers friend. Both the leaders were on same wavelength during the meeting wherein the ongoing war on terror came under threadbare discussion. It was decided in the meeting that in the changed scenario the strategy to combat the extremist elements in the tribal areas of the country should also be changed and both of them stressed the need for segregating the handful of terrorist elements from the general people living there who were by and large peace loving and patriot Pakistanis. Gen. Kayani also informed the Premier about his visit to Bajaur and interaction with the tribal elders who were all in support of the operation against the terrorist in the area and assured the Armed Forces of the country their full backing and support. Both the leaders once again reiterated the country's stand that the sovereignty and territorial integrity would be upheld at all costs and no foreign country would be allowed to breach it. At the same time both the leaders also expressed their resolve that government would not allow anyone to use Pakistani soil for executing any terrorist activity against any country. The sources privy to the meeting disclosed that both the leaders welcomed the commitment made by the US government functionaries during meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari in the fringes of the UN General Assembly, that Pakistani territorial integrity would be respected. There was also unanimity of the view between the two leaders that to overcome the tribal areas unrest the local population would be taken into confidence who were made hostage by a handful of terrorists and vested interest, that did not want to see peace in the region. It was further decided in the meeting that dialogue with local people and those who would lay down their arms would take the lead and force would be used as the last resort.

ePaper - Nawaiwaqt