Zardari gives go-ahead to Pak Army to launch air strikes against Taliban

Islamabad, Jan. 8 (ANI): Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has allowed the country's military to carry out air strikes on the identified Taliban havens located in the intricate mountain terrains in Tribal Areas.

During his meeting with Pakistani Army Chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Thursday, Zardari, in his capacity as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, approved the coordinated efforts of the armed forces against militants.

"Matters related to operational preparedness of Pakistan Army, security situation and the ongoing drive against militancy and extremism came under discussion," The Nation quoted a statement released after the meeting, as saying.

Earlier, Kayani briefed Zardari about the operational decisions taken during the meeting of high command of the Pakistan Army on Thursday, wherein the Air Chief was also present.

Kayani also told Zardari about the situation arising after a recent statement by the Indian army chief about the Indian potential to confront both Pakistan and China at the same time.

Sources said Zardari was also briefed about the decisions at the cabinet committee of defence under Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani about the maintenance of minimum deterrence. (ANI)