The Cabinet on Saturday endorsed the military operation in Malakand and made it clear that terrorists and militants opposing the Constitution were "enemies of the country". Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, who presided over the meeting and subsequently addressed the news conference, told reporters that the meeting was unanimous in the decision that terrorists "have no religion" and boundaries.
PRIME MINISTER SAYS THE INTERNALLY DISPLACED PEOPLE (IDPS) WILL BE GIVEN FULL COVER UNDER THE BENAZIR INCOME SUPPORT PROGRAMME "I have directed the provinces to remain vigilant against any reaction," he said, and added that militants would be treated as anti-state elements, and the operation would continue till their total elimination.
The meeting also decided that ulema and mashaikh would be contacted to present the true perception of Islam, and Imam-e-Kaaba would also be invited to visit Pakistan to speak on the subject.
Giving details, the Prime Minister said that the Cabinet had approved several measures to tackle the challenge of large-scale displacement of people in NWFP. It was decided to send delegations of parliamentarians abroad to muster financial and diplomatic support of the international community to effectively tackle the challenge. He said that the Cabinet contributed Rs 200 million to Prime Minister's Special Fund and announced that they would donate their one-month salary for the displaced people of Swat.
He said that it was also decided that the internally displaced people (IDPs) would be given full cover under the Benazir Income Support Program. It was also decided that a Cabinet Committee would soon be set up for day-to-day monitoring of the IDPs issue and also for the areas where action is being taken, the Prime Minister added.
He said that total transparency would be ensured in the utilisation of funds to be received for relief and rehabilitation of the IDPs, reconstruction of the affected areas and capacity building of the law enforcing agencies. Gilani said that peaceful atmosphere "is required" in the affected area for reconstruction where schools, hospitals, infrastructure and tourist attractions have been totally destroyed.
The Prime Minister said that the decision to convene an all parties conference on national security would be taken on return of President Asif Ali Zardari. He said that media would be approached to help tackle the issue in view of the seriousness of the situation.
He said that all political parties were taken on board vis-à-vis security operation, "and now it is our duty to fully support the army in wiping out the curse of extremism". He said it is not a normal war but guerilla war, but the resolve of the government and army is to ensure minimum collateral damage, and the operation should be over as soon as possible. The Prime Minister said he has already ordered that law enforcement agencies' reports should be shared with the respective provincial governments.
He said the 'peace accord' was concluded in line with the aspirations of the people, but action had to be taken following violation of the agreement by the other side. The government was forced to review the accord which was linked to peace in the region, he added. The Prime Minister said that the Cabinet had decided to concentrate on Balochistan issue.
He said he has good relations with Nawaz Sharif, and PML (N) leadership has always provided needed support on different occasions. He, however, added that PML-N was not invited to rejoin the Federal Cabinet because some of their demands were yet to be met. "We will invite them when the time would come", he said, adding that the meeting also decided to summon the National Assembly on Monday to discuss the situation.
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