Pak Army committed to thwart militancy from the country: Kayani

Rawalpindi, Apr.24 (ANI): Worried by the increasing threat perception from the Taliban and questions being raised over the Army's capability and willingness to thwart the challenge, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has said that the military is fully prepared and committed to take on the challenge.

Addressing an operational meeting at the General Headquarters here, General Kayani said he is aware of the doubts being raised over the intent of the security forces of the country, and clarified that his forces would not hesitate to retaliate.

"Pakistan Army never has and never will hesitate to sacrifice, whatever it may take, to ensure safety and wellbeing of people of Pakistan and country's territorial integrity," The News quoted Kayani, as saying.

He said that the operational pause, meant to give the reconciliatory forces a chance, must not be taken for a concession to the militants.

General Kayani asserted that Pakistan is capable of dealing with every difficult situation, as it is run by a democratic set-up with full support of the people and the Army.

"A country of 170 million resilient people under a democratic dispensation, strongly supported by the Army, is capable of handling any crisis that it may confront," he said.

Meanwhile, military sources have said that the Swat Valley could witness a military offensive against the militants in the next 48 hours.

NWFP Information Minister Iftikhar Hussain said that the government's writ will be established at all costs in the region. (ANI)