Decision on N.Waziristan offensive rests with Kayani : Gilani

Lahore, May 30 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said the decision on launching a military offence in the restive North Waziristan rests with Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.

Addressing a public gathering after distributing compensatory cheques among the displaced people of Swat and Malakand, Gilani said the government would not bow down to extremists, adding that it would conduct military operations wherever the militants have established a safe haven for themselves.

"Military operations will be conducted at all places where the government's writ is challenged," The Daily Times quoted Gilani, as saying.

Referring to the military offensive in Swat and Malakand, Gilani said that military action was not a permanent solution to the issue of extremism, and added that the problem can only be resolved through social reforms and developmental work.

"It is the job of the political leadership to bring social reforms and concentrate on capacity building of law enforcement agencies to meet the post-operation situation," he said.

Gilani also pointed out that world peace was directly linked with peace and stability in Pakistan.

"I've told the world community clearly that maintenance of peace in Pakistan is closely linked to their prosperity," he said. (ANI)