Minister for Interior Rehman Malik said on Sunday that the government has been successful in controlling militancy and terrorism and areas of Swat, Dir, Bajaur and Mohmand agencies have been cleared of militants. He was addressing a selected gathering of Pakistanis drawn from cross sections of the expatriates here at an Iftar dinner meeting, says a message received here from Jeddah.
The minister expressed satisfaction over the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons, who have returned to their homes safely and are supporting the government in locating the militants. He said that all political parties of the country, including Jamaat-i-Islami, Muslim League (N) have been co-operating with the government to improve the situation in these areas.
The network of Baitullah Mehsud has been destroyed and the Madaris have been cleared of the stock of weapons, he added. Rehman Malik impressed upon the Pakistani community to work devotedly for the progress and prosperity of both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
They should work as members of one nation rather than as workers of different political parties, he added. Quoting the exemplary brotherly relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, he lauded services of His Majesty King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz and hoped that these relations will be further strengthened in the years to come.
Rehman Malik said the role of overseas Pakistanis in the development of Pakistan is commendable as their remittances make a part of the precious foreign exchange, a pre-requisite for economic development. He also requested them to use normal banking channels for the remittances of their earning in the best interest of the country.