keeping in view the sanctity of holy month of Ramazan, operation in tribal areas would remain suspended from August 31 midnight till the second day of Eid-ul-Fitr, Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Affairs, Rehman Malik said here on Saturday. Speaking at a seminar on Cyber Crime held under the auspices of Federal Investigating Agency (FIA), Rehman said that this step should not be construed as weakness.
He said the measure has been taken with additional aspect of providing respite to homeless people of tribal areas affected due to unevenness of events. He, however, warned that any extremist step during this period would be dealt with an iron hand.
About missing persons, Rehman said that out of total 811 missing persons 77 have been traced and sent homes. He said that four meetings on the issue were held and the relevant quarters have been told to trace the remaining persons and report to the government.
He said among missing persons, there were also those who were fighting in Waziristan or were in camps in Afghanistan. Talking about adoption of technology, Rehman said they have satellite technology and through this they could detect suicide bombers. He said so far they have eliminated 562 suicide bombers in the country. He said after detection of suicide bombers their sanctuaries would be targeted.
Talking about release of Dr Afia Siddique, Rehman said that they have made a contact for this. Rehman Malik speaking on effects of operation in tribal areas said that things have been controlled to a greater extent. Besides visible betterment things have also improved in Bajaur, he added. He said that maintenance of law & order, holding of integrity of the country was their top priority.