ISLAMABAD: The federal minister for defence Khawaja Asif has dispelled the impression that the military operation ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ against the militants in the North Waziristan tribal region was initiated under any foreign pressure.
In a policy statement in the National Assembly, the defence minister said that the decision to launch the military operation in North Waziristan has been jointly taken by the civil and military leadership.
The defence minister said that the government sincerely waited for any positive outcome of the peace dialogue with the Taliban for four and a half months but to no avail.
Khawaja Asif said that for the last three decades, the tribal areas had hosted the aliens, who marred the local traditions and culture, besides threatening the national security. He said that the issue begot after Pakistan’s uncalled for participation in cold war.
In addition, he said that the operation will be followed by another phase of post-operative care after the army achieves victory and all foreign elements are eliminated.
