Pakistani president says no alternative to fighting extremists
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, Feb 14, IRNA -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari said Saturday that there was no alternative to fighting the extremists and ending militancy.
The absence of alternatives makes the choice abundantly clear, he told a meeting in the Presidency to review the current situation in restive Swat valley and the tribal regions and the ongoing fight against militancy.
Zardari said that the militants wanted to impose their political agenda on the people of Pakistan through use of force but they will never be allowed to succeed, a statement from the President Office said.
The meeting also paid tributes to members of and law enforcing agencies for their courage and steadfastness before the militants and lawless elements.
Paying tributes to the bravery and patriotism of members of the law enforcing agencies, the president said that many of them have laid down their lives and may more injured in the line of duty. "They are our heroes," he said.
A detailed presentation was given on the current situation in Swat and tribal areas and the restoration of normalcy in the disturbed areas.
The meeting expressed satisfaction over the ongoing fight against militancy and vowed to continue the fight until the end of militancy and complete restoration of the writ of the government in the affected areas.
The meeting also appreciated the courage of the locals in standing up and refusing to abandon their homes and lands before the militants.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, the Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, minister for foreign affairs, interior advisor, governor North West Frontier Province, intelligence chief, and other senior officials.
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End News / IRNA / News Code 353774
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