'Joint session to develop strategies to counter terrorism'

Pakistan People's Party, MNA, Farzana Raja said the joint session of Parliament on Wednesday (tomorrow) would help develop concrete plan to counter the challenge of terrorism. The ground realities behind the terrorist elements prevailing in the country would be brought into limelight during the in-camera briefing of the session, she informed in an interview with PTV.
Besides providing briefing regarding the factors of deteriorating law and order situation, she said the difficulties faced by the tribal people would be discussed to find some practical solution.
In existing democratic set up, she said the government is reflective of masses' aspirations and would take people into confidence in all the decisions. The parliament session would be an opportunity for opposition leaders to come forward with positive proposals for the betterment of the country, Farzana Raja said.
To a question, Farzana Raja said that "We have signed Charter of Democracy and following it in letter and spirit as we have given the responsibility of public accounts committee to the opposition leader of PML-N". Prime Minister has clearly stated in his first address to Parliament that no one will be allowed to attack on the sovereignty of Pakistan. Similarly, the prime minister and Joint Chief of Army Staff have shown the firm stance on the subject. "In spite of criticising and blaming each other we have to adopt united approach to cope with the menace of terrorism".
Commenting on the situation of tribal areas she said being a part of sovereign state, "I pay my heartiest tributes to the local tribal leaders who have decided to stand against militants". "We have to find out those elements who want to destabilise the country and PPP is quite capable to liberate the masses from the nefarious elements". She termed poverty alleviation as crucial to wipe out the menace of terrorism emerging from tribal areas.
To resolve the issue, it is imperative to involve people of tribal areas in the mainstream through introducing development packages for their uplift, she opined. To a question, she said that PPP has always shown very clear stance against extremism and terrorism. She said, "We have never supported militant move and always asked to initiate dialogue process for resolving the conflicts".