SWA op goals to be achieved soon: Mukhtar

ISLAMABAD Federal Minister for Defence Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar Wednesday said that the military operation against terrorists was progressing successfully and would soon achieve the desired objectives.
He was talking to his Dutch counterpart Eimert Van Middelkoop who called on him here at his office. Both the leaders discussed the security situation of the region with special focus on Afghanistan and the ongoing military operation in South Waziristan Agency.
Apprising Eimert Van of anti-terror efforts of Pakistani security forces, the minister said that Pakistan did not believe in rhetoric and was strongly committed to eliminating the menace of terrorism, and has made significant progress in this regard.
He said Pakistan, in its fight against terrorism, was paying a heavy financial and human price, adding that the international community should assist Pakistan in strengthening its counter-terrorism capabilities.
Terrorist attacks have badly affected the economic and social infrastructure of the country, especially the educational institutions, the minister said.
He also conveyed Pakistans concern over the involvement of Indian intelligence agencies in fomenting terrorist activities in Pakistan. He said that the international community should take note of Indian involvement because such activities would have a very bad impact on the regional peace and stability.
Both the leaders underlined the need for promoting closer cooperation between Pakistan and ISAF/NATO Forces to eliminate terrorism from the region.
Mukhtar said that Pakistan wanted to see peace and stability in Afghanistan because a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was in the interest of the entire region.
Both the leaders also exchanged views on matters pertaining to enhancement of bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade and economy.
The Defence Minister of Netherlands said that his country had a long-standing relationship with Pakistan and wanted to bolster these ties. He said closer ties between the two countries would also help tackle terrorism. He appreciated the sacrifices and contribution of Pakistans armed forces in the war against terror.
Meanwhile, Eimert Van Middelkoop also held separate meetings with Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Tariq Majid in their respective offices in Rawalpindi and discussed matters of mutual interest.