Press Release

MEETING IN PRESIDENCY REVIEWS SITUATION IN FATA AND SWAT

Islamabad : A meeting was held today in the Presidency to review the current situation in Swat and FATA and the ongoing fight against militancy.

The meeting jointly presided over by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani was attended by Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. A.Rehman Malik , Interior Advisor, Mr. Owais Ahmed Ghani, Governor NWFP, Mr. Mir Haider Khan Hoti, CM NWFP, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, COAS, Mr. Asfandyar Wali, MNA and Lt Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha, DG ISI.

A detailed presentation was given on the current situation in Swat and FATA and the restoration of normalcy in the disturbed areas.

The meeting expressed satisfaction over the ongoing fight against militancy and vowed to continue the fight until the end of militancy and complete restoration of the writ of the government in the affected areas.

Speaking on the occasion the President said that there was no alternative to fighting the extremists and ending militancy. The absence of alternatives makes the choice abundantly clear, he said. He said that the militants wanted to impose their political agenda on the people of Pakistan through use of force but they will never be allowed to succeed.

The meeting also paid tributes to members of and law enforcing agencies for their courage and steadfastness before the militants and lawless elements. Paying tributes to the bravery and patriotism of members of the law enforcing agencies  the President said that many of them have laid their lives and may more injured in the line of duty. They are our heroes, he said.

The meeting also appreciated the courage of the locals in standing up and refusing to abandon their homes and lands before the militants.

Earlier the Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani and the Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani also called on the President in the Presidency.