Peshawar: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani said on Friday that there is no space for dialogue with the militants at this time when decisive battle has been launched against them to wipe them out so they would never challenge writ of the government.
"Dialogue at the time when army and security forces have been engaged in decisive gunbattle against the militants will be disastrous therefore there will be no dialogue with those who have challenged writ of the government. They will be followed everywhere.
Security agencies have effectively targeted the militants strongholds therefore they are now attacking in cities."
Gillani told media on his first visit to Peshawar to meet with elected leadership of ANP and PPP and apprise himself about the overall security situation of the province and Fata.
The premier said government had used the option of dialogue but the militant gave a negative response and challenged writ of the government in other places as result of the dialogue offer from government side for resolving issues through negotiations. "We did not consider military action as a solution but there was no other way with the government therefore per force army has been called out to fight the militants and clear the areas they occupied," Gillani replied to a question.
Improving law and order in the trouble-hit parts was prime responsibility of the government therefore capacity building of the police, Frontier Corps and other security agencies will start as soon the operation ends in Malakand division, the prime minister informed.
"NWFP government will be provided 24 billion in four phases to purchase latest security equipment for police, levies, and FC to further build their capacity to fight against terrorism. In the first phase Rs6 billion will be provided to improve law and order and provide the people relief," the prime minister informed, adding that people of NWFP must be praised for their courage against terrorism and hospitality they offered to the IDPs.
When asked when the government was going to target Baitullah Mehsud, chief of the defunct TTP, prime minister said forces will follow every militant causing threat to the nation's security and challenging writ of the government.
"We are not willing to start military operation everywhere but still we will not spare those who will challenge writ of the government," PM said.
When asked is there any timetable for the completion of military operation in Malakand division, Gillani said government was willing to end the operation as soon as possible and start rehabilitation and reconstruction process in the war-damaged areas of Malakand however no clear-cut deadline could be given in this regard.
Prime minister ruled out the possibility of the return of internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) during this month, saying that it was not possible that the affected people will return in June. Government, he said, was well aware of the feelings of IDPs therefore they will be rehabilitated once the operation will completed. "We have reserved an amount of Rs50 billion for the IDPs irrespective of the pledges of international donors. It is our responsibility and we will fulfil it," he maintained.
Prime minister announced formation of Trust for the martyred journalists families and promised to release Rs2 million for the trust so the families of the martyred journalists could be compensated and they are provided some relief.
"I pay tribute to the army, police, FC and journalists who rendered sacrifices for the sake of the nation," Gillani remarked.
Replying to a question regarding the meeting of National Finance Commission (NFC), PM assured that soon NFC will be called and the issue of Net Hydel Profit will be resolved in the meeting. On this occasion Prime Minister also announced Rs1.5 million grants for the Peshawar Press Club.
Earlier Gillani was briefed about the law order situation in NWFP and Fata and he was informed about the steps taken for the relief of IDPs. He was also briefed about the reconstruction and rehabilitation strategy to be adopted following the operation. Chief Minister Amir Haider Hotti, Governor Awais Ahmad Ghani and other members of the policymaking committee on Malakand also took part the briefing.
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