It's a guerrilla war, says PM

ISLAMABAD- Calling militants as anti-state elements, the Federal Cabinet put its weight behind the military operation in Malakand Division with the firm resolve to continue it till complete elimination of the miscreants.
While addressing a Press conference after presiding over a cabinet meeting here Saturday, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani categorically stated: Terrorists have no religion and country and they would be dealt with sternly. The ongoing military operation is not a conventional but a guerilla war, so no timeframe can be set."
Militants have refused to accept democracy, parliament and its institutions, which is rebellion, Gilani said, adding that government was left with no option but to take this extreme step.
He, however, said that the cabinet expressed the resolve that there should be minimum collateral damage and the operation should be accomplished as soon as possible.
Gilani said it was also decided to summon the National Assembly on Monday afternoon to discuss the situation.
Prime Minister Gilani said before taking the decision for Army action, he had taken all political leadership into confidence, and thanked them for their support and patriotism at the time when Pakistan needed it most.
Gilani dispelled the impression that Army action was the result of international pressure and said the government went ahead with the peace deal despite external pressures.
He said the government had respected the mandate of the provincial government and the Parliament had given approval to the Swat Peace Accord in national interest. It is our own war. It is for the survival of the country, and for the future of people, Gilani said.
Prime Minister Gilani said the cabinet created a special fund for the victims of terrorism and contributed Rs 200 million from their own pockets, besides one months salary.
The cabinet directed all the foreign missions of the country to get activated to help generate funds for reconstruction of the affected area and capacity building of law enforcing agencies. It also directed the provincial government to be vigilant to any reaction against the Army operation and said he had directed the law enforcement and intelligence agencies to share reports on the issue with provincial governments.
The Cabinet also asked the Chairperson of Benazir Income Support Programme to provide full cover to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The cabinet decided to provide special attention to Balochistan, carry forward the ongoing dialogue and work for removing the provinces sense of deprivation.
The cabinet decided that all political forces and civil society groups should hold peace march against terrorists and militants across the country.
It was further decided that a group of cabinet ministers would meet political leadership to gather support for the cause, which they had decided in the interest of the country.
The Prime Minister said the government would soon constitute cabinet committees to carry out day-to-day monitoring of IDPs and to ensure transparency in funds management.
The cabinet unanimously opined that the terrorists and militants had no religion and were not bothered about any boundaries. Therefore we have decided to contact the ulema to present a true perception of Islam, he said. He announced that Imam e Kaaba was being invited to visit Pakistan to play his helpful role towards removing misperceptions against the distorted version of Islam being portrayed by these militants.
The cabinet also decided to approach the media to realize the gravity of the situation, and seek their help.
About convening of the All Parties Conference, Gilani said he had held consultations with other political leaders and would decide the date soon.
Asked whether the government had given up the path of dialogue, Gilani said the government always pursued the policy of dialogue, development and deterrence.
We always preferred dialogue at first place, but when it didnt yield results, we had to look for other options, he said, adding that development could not be achieved unless peace was restored.
About the Charter of Democracy and possibility of PML(N) induction into the federal cabinet, he said he had very good relations with PML-N leadership and appreciated the support extended by them in difficult times on issues of national security.
We would be in a better position to offer them share in cabinet when we fulfil the pledges of Charter of Democracy including the abolition of 17th Amendment.
He said the government was fully cognizant of the issues of IDPs. This time we made sure that militants were taken by surprise, he said defending governments policy of not asking the people to leave the area before the launch of the operation.
He said over half a billion rupees have already been handed over to provincial governments. He also directed the ministers to visit the camps and to ensure that they (IDPs) were being looked after well.
Gilani also made an impassioned appeal to the nation to support the Armed Forces as they were doing a job for the countrys future.
Gilani also asked the locals to ask the the black sheep to leave their area.
He said the government would also strengthen the capabilities of its law enforcement agencies and would build bombproof police stations. Besides, the government would also be sending delegation of parliamentarians and the ministers to different parts of the world to apprise them about the real situation.
The Prime Minister denied rollback or capping of nuclear programme and said, There is no such thing (on cards).
Regarding the transit trade agreement with Afghanistan he said all stakeholders were taken on board in vetting the deal. There is no need for any concern. We have taken care of everything, he said.
To a question regarding possibility of disturbance in Karachi in the wake of May 12 rallies planned in Karachi, Premier Gilani said that government would try its best to control any untoward incident on May 12.