Senators on Friday warned the government that prolonged military operation in Swat and Malakand division could complicate the situation that could be exploited by the enemies. The upper House, which met for 54th session set aside the agenda of the day to take up discussion on the ongoing military operation in Swat and Malakand Division as well as the issue of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The Senators wanted the world community to help the displaced persons of Swat and Malakand division and underlined the need for early winding up of operation to avoid complications and fall out. They deplored total government failure in meeting IDPs basic needs. The government should take measures for early return of IDPs to their homes.
Senator Zahid Khan of Awami National Party (ANP) asked the government to ensure complete rehabilitation of the IDPs. He also drew government's attention towards an incident in Jamshoro University where Pukhtoon students were forcibly ousted from the hostels and stopped to sit in the examination that resulted in loss of one academic year.
Zahid gave time to the government till Monday to resolve the issue, saying that ANP has to devise its future strategy if the issue was not resolved to their satisfaction. PML-N Raja Zafarul Haq asked the government to ensure early completion of military operation and warned that a prolonged one could result in creating difficulties for the country and enemies of Pakistan could make efforts to take advantage of this situation.
Senator Professor Khurshid Ahmed deplored that the government did not take into confidence the Upper House prior to launching military action. Some unseen powers have been using the name of Taliban and are involved in disturbing law and order in Swat, he added.
He said that the issue to restore the writ of the government in these areas should have been resolved through talks rather than military operation. Afrasayab Khan Khattak of ANP's said that the government was forced to use the option of military operation after it exhausted all the options of bringing about peace through talks. He asked the federal government to help NWFP government to tackle the issue of displaced persons and provide them all out support.
Javed Ashraf Qazi of PML-Q said that Taliban are receiving weapons and other resources from Kunar province of Afghanistan that is under control of Taliban.
Former ISI chief said that Taliban tried to take over Swat under the garb of implementation of Nizam-e-Adl but in fact they were playing the game to destabilise Pakistan. There was no option left but root them out through military operation.
Senator Mian Raza Rabbani of the PPP said that military action is not final solution of the problem but political strategy will have to be adopted to resolve the issue. He said the government has adopted three-phased strategy for rehabilitation of displaced persons.
Mir Hasil Bazenjo lauded the role of NWFP government for its efforts to accommodate displaced persons and urged the federal government to fully support the provincial government in their rehabilitation. Muhammad Abbas Khan stressed the need for forging unity to curb the menace of terrorism. He said displaced persons are Pakistanis citizen and they have right to move in any part of the country.
Abdul Rahim Khan Mandokhel condemned Taliban and said they are exploiting the whole nation and are trying to play with the writ of the government. They should be stopped at all cost, he added.
He said these people have no honour for the agreements and they have no connection with Islam but they are using the name of religion for their nefarious designs. Mandokhel called upon the government and army to do whatever is required to control the militancy in Swat. He said Pakhtoons are being targeted in Karachi under the guise of strike.
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