Pak political, military leaders pledge to eliminate terrorism

Pakistan political leaders and military top brass today discussed security situation in the country, especially in the wake of military operation in restive North Waziristan, and pledged to evolve a strategy to eliminate terrorism and extremism on long term basis.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chaired a meeting of National Security Conference, comprising heads and representatives of all major political parties in National Assembly and the military leadership at his residence.
In a statement issued at the end of the day-long discussion, the civil-military leaders showed commitment to fight militancy till its end.
"It was noted with pleasure that the whole nation including political parties had rejected terrorists and their ideology. Representatives of all political and religious parties agreed that state has to fight and eliminate militancy," it said.

"There was absolute unanimity of views on the need to evolve a strategy to eliminate terrorism on long term basis. The meeting also agreed to work to address extremism," the statement said.
In the meeting, Director General Military Operations Major General Amir Riaz briefed the political leadership about the military operation Zarb-e-Azb in the North Waziristan tribal region.

It was the first briefing since the launch of the military operation on June 15 in which more than 600 militants and over 35 soldiers have been killed. The operation has also displaced about one million people.
The participants of the conference were informed about the areas cleared by the armed forces during the operation.

"The conference was also told that the terrorists are on the run and their command and control system had been crippled," it said.
The meeting was informed that the stated policy of the armed forces during Zarb-e-Azb was to ensure no collateral damage and protect the life and property of innocent civilians.