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says military operation to go on
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
by Khalid Kheshgi
PESHAWAR: NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Hoti has said the war on militancy was necessary not only for the survival of the Pakhtuns but also for the whole country, adding there were solid proofs of the involvement of international elements in the ongoing insurgency on our soil.
Speaking as chief guest on the concluding day of a two-day workshop on “Streamlining Fata”, Hoti said though the hub of insurgency was stated to be in the tribal areas but it had now spread to the whole country where all the major cities were under the threat of terrorism.
“Neither the tribesmen nor Pakhtuns are terrorists but they are the ultimate victims of terrorism on their own soil,” the chief minister said and added “we have to tell the world that tribesmen want peace and stability in the region.”
Dwelling at length on how terrorism and militancy entered Pakistan and Afghanistan, Hoti linked it to the time when tribal traditional system and decades-old administrative structure in Fata was disturbed by encouraging extremist and militant organisations in the tribal areas.
“Unfortunately, the tribal areas and its people were used for the vested interest and the whole area was turned into a lab in the past for carrying out experiments,” he said and added the past rulers produced such beasts that could not be controlled by the present government easily.
“Had the rulers extinguished the fire (of insurgency) in Waziristan in time, it might not have engulfed the whole NWFP and rest of the country” he added.
The chief minister, while appreciating the consultative process of the Shaheed Bhutto Foundation for taking into account the tribesmen in the proposed reforms about tribal areas, said his government and party were also in favour of the changes in political and administrative structure in Fata with the consent of local tribesmen. He said tribesmen should be given equal fundamental and legal rights like rest of Pakistan.
About the government approach to militancy, Hoti said political process and negotiations were the only means to resolve any crisis and the use of force and military operations are last resort. He said the ongoing operation against militants would continue till restoration of peace.
“It is a bitter reality that we have been confronted with the elements who are shattering the peace on our soil,” he added.
However, the chief minister said he was not a rigid person and would show flexibility if the “insurgents” accepted the government writ. “If they (insurgents) take one step for reconciliation, I will move 10 steps for striking a truce,” he added.
The chief minister said our government had struck peace agreements with the Taliban in Swat but unfortunately those efforts and offers were spoiled.
Hoti was also optimistic about the upcoming Pak-Afghan Jirga in Islamabad and said sincere efforts should be made to bring about peace and stability in the region as a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was a must for peace in the tribal areas and other parts of the country.
Earlier, director of Benazir Democracy Institute and former senator Farhatullah Baber said the PPP-led government wanted changes and reforms in the Frontier Crimes Regulation and administrative system in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Baber eulogized the stance of the Awami National Party on militancy and terrorism and said the nationalist leaders were suffering for their bold stand on terrorism.
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ISSN 1563-9479 
