Military operation in North Waziristan: decision to be premised upon national interest

Pakistan on Saturday took a firm stand regarding launch of military operation in North Waziristan, considered as epicenter of al Qaeda, and made it clear that the decision would be taken keeping its 'national interest' in view, however its stand should not be considered as 'lack of resolve' to fight terrorism.
North Waziristan is home to 350,000 people and is considered a stronghold for the most dangerous militants, who are fighting against more than 150,000 US and Nato troops of the International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) in Afghanistan. Defending its military policy in the north-west of the country despite pressure from the United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement "While we understand International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) concerns, any question relating to when, how and what is to be done in North Waziristan is based on judgement, keeping in mind our capacities, priorities and overall national interest".
"This in no way should be interpreted as lack of Pakistani resolve," it added. The ministry said that the Pakistani army had conducted "calibrated operations" against terrorist and extremist forces to establish the writ of the state and disrupt al Qaeda and its affiliates.
"Recently North Waziristan has been under sharp focus. Despite battling with the worst floods in 100 years, (the) Pakistan army continues to maintain a presence of over 34,000 troops in North Waziristan," the statement added. "Constant pressure and squeeze, without going in for a large scale ground operation, has been applied on the terrorists, with success, gaining better control of the area," it said.
The statement came after four key American officials had stressed on the need for an offensive in North Waziristan. Earlier, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen was reported saying that the Pakistan Army had pledged launch an offensive in North Waziristan.