PM calls for across-the-board support for army operation in N Waziristan

Announces that PML-N's Abdul Qadir Baloch would be assigned to manage facilitation of IDPs

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called on the entire nation -- including political parties and the media -- to stand in support of the army, while addressing Parliament on Monday, a day after the military announced the launch of a long-anticipated operation in North Waziristan.

“The Zarb-e-Arb operation will not end till all terrorists are eliminated,” the prime minister asserted in his first address since the operation launched.

While making assurances and justifying the government’s decision, the premier announced that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s Abdul Qadir Baloch would be assigned to manage the facilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). He also hoped that tribesmen would play an important part in the operation. He also called on religious leaders to play their role in eradicating extremism from the country.

“The people of Pakistan are witnesses to [the government’s] sincere efforts which were not reciprocated from the other side (TTP). [Our countrymen’s] blood was spilled despite our peace efforts,” Nawaz said.

While the government was trying to negotiate with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, they were targeting the country’s children.

He was also careful to add that the decision o launch the operation was taken in consultation with all stakeholders, including armed forced.

The prime minister concluded his address by saying that the at no cost would the country become a safe haven for terrorists, before asking the house to excuse him.

He left before listening to the speeches of Opposition leader Khurshid Shah and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Imran Khan.

Addressing the NA, Opposition leader Shah said we should all take ownership of the military operation. “No compromises should be made. We are with our military leadership,” he said.

While addressing Parliament, Imran Khan, whose party announced to support the operation earlier on Monday, said that they support the army; however, he expressed some apprehension at the same time. There are two solutions to the problem faced by the country – one was political and the other was military, Imran said. He added that the past dictates that military operations have not worked.

He also insisted that after the dialogue process, suicide attacks had decreased in number, while the economy had improved by 33%.

“In my opinion, the prime minister should have headed the dialogue process himself. Now that an operation has been announced, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government will suffer due to the backlash,” Imran pointed out.

He also questioned why his party was not taken into confidence prior to the announcement of the operation and said they learnt of the news through the TV. The prime minister should summon an All Parties Conference for further consultation on this issue, the PTI chief suggested.

Meanwhile, Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s Farooq Sattar said the prime minister should directly address the nation. “We support this military operation and we should accumulate support from the public,” he said.