Zardari orders law-enforcement agencies not to allow Taliban chieftains escape Pakistan

Islamabad, June 27 (ANI): Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has directed the law-enforcement agencies to ensure that Pak-Taliban chieftains don't escape to other countries.

Zardari is reported to have issued the directive during a meeting with NWFP Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani.

"Baitullah Mehsud remained the focal point of the meeting because the president and the government believe that the situation cannot be brought under control without eliminating the Taliban commander," the Dawn quoted a source, as saying.

Zardari said the government was determined to pursue the ongoing military offensive in South Waziristan to its logical end.

"The militants have to give up militancy and surrender to the authorities or be prepared for physical extermination. The charade cannot be allowed to go on," the paper quoted him, as saying.

According to sources, it was a 'stock-taking meeting' to review what has been achieved in the Waziristan operation, and what is still required.

Zardari expressed satisfaction over the achievements so far made in the operation, they added.

Relief activities, rehabilitation of the displaced people of Waziristan and arrangements for safe return of IDPs to Swat were also discussed.

Zardari praised the NWFP government for its contribution to relief efforts and asked it to set-up technical vocational training centres for the displaced people. (ANI)