Traders stand with govt against Talibanisation

LAHORE -Majority of the businessmen have welcomed the government decision to launch full-scale decisive military operation against militants and extremists, saying that the government had shown all its patience to settle Swat issue through dialogues but Taliban with their perverse behaviour had rejected all sincere efforts.
Commenting on the Swat situation and rising religious extremism, the business community said that govt had no other option but to launch military operation in Swat for the establishment of government writ. Traders demanded that all the groups of Taliban must lay down their arms.
They were of the view that militants and Taliban agenda was neither according to teachings of Islam nor Sharia. They are ruthless invaders who wanted to seize power through terror and intimidation. They demanded the govt that rigorous military action should be taken against those responsible for killing innocent people. They said all sections of the society would support the government’s efforts to eliminate extremists from the country.
The LCCI President, Mian Muzaffar Ali, has said that the government should ensure the safety of general public in its war against extremist elements who have challenged the writ of the govt. He said that the deteriorating law and order situation had sent a very wrong signal to the foreign investors and they were reluctant to put their money in any new venture in Pakistan therefore the government decision to improve law and order situation is a step in right direction.
But, he said that those innocent who have no role in the ongoing situation must not be targeted and be provided a safe passage out of that area. However, he made it clear that the action launched by the government must not be prolonged because a prolonged action is bound to create other issues for the government.
A member of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce said elimination of extremism was a must to give a boost to economic activity in the country. He raised the question that as to how foreign investment would come into the country when extremists are challenging the writ of the government.
He said elimination of militants was necessary to restore confidence of bussiness community and attract foreign investment.