IT is quite obvious that if political forces of the ruling set-up and the opposition were to evolve a consensus on major issues confronting the nation the struggle to resolve them would have smooth sailing. It would be far easier to achieve the desired goal than with discordant voices distracting attention. Therefore, Prime Minister Gilani's call for a national consensus, with particular reference to the military operation in Malakand Division, in his opening remarks at the all-parties conference held at Islamabad on Monday merits agreement of the country's various political leaders. There are high stakes involved in its success. Mr Gilani rightly pointed out, "Victory in the fight against terrorism is, in fact, a guarantee for the security...of our coming generations." But army action being not a durable solution, he urged political parties to play their part. To put the world's fears, albeit baseless, of a Taliban takeover at rest, he was justified in maintaining that the troops would remain in the troubled region until peace had been ensured and displaced persons returned home. It is comforting to hear him say that the government would do its best to provide the IDPs help and protection. (They) "should not feel alone". The APC that has been called at the initiative of PML-N leader Mian Nawaz Sharif to discuss the threat from Swat and the adjoining areas was attended by him, JUI's Fazlur Rehman, MQM's Farooq Sattar, ANP's Asfandyar Wali Khan, JI's Liaqat Baloch, Tehreek-i-Insaf's Imran Khan, Awami Muslim League's Sheikh Rashid Ahmad, PML-Q Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, PPP (Sherpao)'s Aftab Ahmad Sherpao and several other political leaders. Most of the speakers endorsed the military action; there were some reservations on the part of certain participants. Besides, several leaders drew attention to the plight of displaced persons and demanded the provision of proper and timely humanitarian assistance. While it would be hard to avoid the impression that the present military campaign has been conducted under pressure of the US, the frustrating situation that the open and outright violations of the Swat peace deal by the militants had created for the government finally tilted the balance in favour of armed action. It was the government's responsibility then to restore the writ of the state, ensure the citizens a humane and decent treatment and prevent the militants from spreading their tentacles. Nevertheless, there is need for a careful assessment of the scenario to see that the military withdraws on the completion of its mission and in line with the policy of three D's (dialogue, deterrence and development) announced by the Prime Minister, quick and substantial development works are carried out for the welfare of the local populations.