NWFP Governor, Awais Ahmad Ghani said on Saturday that nation is fully supporting the strong commitment of government of purging the country from militants and Malakand operation will continue till the miscreants are complete eliminated. He was talking to newsmen after visiting the office of Emergency Response Unit (ERU).
The Governor said that the government is serious and has resolved of eliminating extremist elements, who have made the life of masses miserable, besides tarnishing the image of the religion and the country. Ghani said that nation also realises seriousness of the government's commitment and is extending full support to it.
He said Malakand operation is achieving its target very successfully and soon we will get our desired goals. In response to a question, the Governor said no timeframe could be given for the completion of operation in Swat, Buner and Dir districts, but we are heading forward successfully.
However, he hastened to add, the government has set a timeframe for completion of the operation and rehabilitation of the IDPs, but this date could not be made public. Further, the operation will be completed soon and the extremists will be rooted out from the region.
About his visit to ERU, the Governor expressed satisfaction over the performance of the unit and said the whole affair is very transparent. He said that he found financial as well as administrative transparency in the working of ERU, because the whole affair including distribution of funds and action against officials not performing duties is displayed at the website of the unit.
About IDPs he said the government is also working on rehabilitation of the IDPs after their return to the homes and in this regard verification of displaced persons has been started. About help of those stranded in Mingora and Upper Swat areas, the Governor said Army is taking measures for the rescue of stranded people, while 100 trucks of goods have been reached to Khawazakhela for distribution of food to the people of Upper Swat.
About return of IDPs, Governor informed that government is providing transportation facility to those, who are returning to their homes in Buner district. Answering to a question about ban of Sindh government on IDPs, the Governor said the decision is taken to curb infiltration of terrorists there. However, he added no one could be stopped from visiting to any area within the country and the federal government has taken up the issue.