Militants on the run:Gilani

MINGORA - Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has reaffirmed his government’s stance to reconstruct militancy-hit areas of Malakand Division at the earliest.
He said the extremists would be eliminated soon as they are divided now and on the run, adding that no one would be allowed to impose their own version of Islam.
He was addressing a gathering at Saidu Sharif on Monday in connection with his first ever visit to Swat after the military operation. Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif and Chairman Special Support Group Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmad also accompanied him.
The Prime Minister said the construction work would be initiated in accordance with the wishes and expectations of the people who had rendered unprecedented sacrifices for peace and stability. He said masses all over the country had backed the offensive.
“People of Swat made the task easier for the government by abandoning their houses and shifting to peaceful areas,” he remarked.
Appreciating the people of Swat for their active and bold participation in the drive against militancy, the Prime Minister said it led to the return of peace and destabilisation of Taliban network throughout the country.
He said the government had tried its best to convince Taliban militants to remain peaceful before launching the operation, but it had been left with no option except military action when Taliban militants challenged the writ of the government and started occupying official buildings.
Prime Minister Gilani praised Afzal Lala for his bold and courageous stance against Taliban and also lauded the services of civilians, personnel of the security forces and other officials who fell prey to Taliban’s brutalities and atrocities.
He said the federal government would help in reconstruction and rehabilitation activities along with solving all genuine problems of the people and not let militants to regroup in the region.
The Prime Minister also approved dual carriageway from Dargai to Mingora on the demand of participants, which was raised by some audience and later explained by provincial Minister Wajid Ali Khan. Similarly, he assured of initiating a comprehensive strategy for the development of the area.