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Mian Iftikhar calls for full-scale operation against militants

By Ali Afzal Afzaal
July 06, 2017

PARACHINAR: Awami National Party (ANP) general secretary Mian Iftikhar Hussain on Wednesday asked the government to launch a full-fledged operation against militants without distinction between good and bad ones.

Speaking at a press conference here, he said the action should be started from that of Punjab province, where he alleged that the handlers of terrorists had established hideouts. He met and offered his condolence to the heirs of the victims of the twin bomb blasts in a market in Parachinar. As many as 75 people were killed and several injured in the twin bomb blasts at a market place in Parachinar, the headquarters of Kurram Agency.

ANP deputy provincial president Imran Afridi, Ayaz Wazir, Imran Bangash and others were also present. The nationalist politician said that unity was needed to root out militancy from the country.  He said that the Pakistan Army was a professional and strong institution and very capable of defeating militants.

"The country's political and military leadership with the support of nation would eliminate militancy," he hoped. He said coordinated efforts were required to get rid of the menace. Mian Inftikhar maintained that the ANP wanted friendly relationship with the neighbouring countries and to remove the mistrust.

He said terrorists had no religion and cannot be reasoned with, adding, that the militants changed their identity and shed the blood of Pakhtuns. "They play with our lives under one or the other name," he added.

The ANP leader said the government should announce compensation like the one given to families of the victims of tanker-fire in Bahawalpur in Punjab province or given in other parts of the country. He said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Mamnoon Hussain should visit Parachinar to show solidarity with the bereaved families and correct their past mistake.