Fata operations – Why a cut-off point?

ISLAMABAD: This is with reference to the letters on my column “Fata operations – Why a cut-off point?” (June 24), which in turn was in response to Talat Hussain’s “Back to the drawing board?” (June 21).  Every war ultimately ends at the negotiating table. The army’s mission is to end the war on a favourable note so that we can negotiate from a position of strength. The military’s agreement with Baitullah Mehsud was from a weak position. It damaged the power balance which we are now trying to tilt in our favour.

Cut-off points are the objectives which need to be achieved, and not dates on a calendar. I respect Talat Hussain. His documentry on Shah Hassan Khel made people of the area cry. But sir at least own this war.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27^th, 2010.