Zardari says military offensive in Malakand will continue

Islamabad, June 30 (ANI): Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has said the military offensive in the Malakand division would continue until militants are completely eliminated from the region.

"Either the militants have to lay down arms, give up militancy and accept state's authority or they have to be exterminated. Let there be no doubt or mistake about it," the Dawn quoted Zardari, as saying.

Addressing MNAs and Senators of the Pakistan People's Party, Zardari paid tribute to soldiers and personnel of law-enforcement agencies for their courage and heroism.

"Success in the war against militancy was due to the valour of our forces on the one hand and the sagacity and wisdom of parliament and political parties on the other for lending political support to it," he said.

Zardari also praised the internally displaced persons for rendering a great sacrifice for the cause of the country.

"I assure speedy return of displaced people and their rehabilitation," he said.

On the proposed constitutional amendments and repealing of the controversial 17th amendment that gives undemocratic powers to the president, he said the party was keen to democratise the Constitution by removing anti- democratic clauses.

Zardari said a 27-member parliamentary committee had been set up comprising representatives of political parties and federating units to make recommendations for amendments to articles. (ANI)