Zarb-e-Azb: All but one tribal agency cleared of militants, says Asif

Defence minister says Islamabad wants peaceful and negotiated solution of all outstanding issues with New Delhi

Defence Minister Khawja Asif said on Saturday that a military operation had managed to clear six of the seven tribal agencies, with an offensive active in only one agency, Radio Pakistan reported.

Talking to the British Defence Minister Philip Dunne on the side lines of the International Security Conference in Munich, Asif said that the armed forces were currently engaged in a full scale military operation to flush out terrorists from the tribal areas and hoped that the operation would be completed soon.

The two Ministers also discussed matters to boost the bilateral defence relations.

Separately, in a meeting with the German Defence Minister Dr Ursula Von der Leyen, he briefed her about the Kashmir issue.

Noting how the resolution of Kashmir issue was needed for durable peace and security in the region, Asif reiterated that Pakistan wants peaceful and good relations with its neighbouring countries including India. He said that Islamabad wants peaceful and negotiated solution of all outstanding issues with New Delhi.

The two ministers further exchanged views on bilateral relations with special reference to cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

The German Defence Minister assured her country's full support and cooperation in Pakistan's efforts for peaceful solution of regional issues and in the fight against terrorism.

Asif also held a meeting with the Chinese State Councillor Dr Yang Jiechi in Munich.