NWFP Governor Lt Gen (r) Ali Mohammad Jan Orakzai has reiterated the governmentÂ’s stance of resolving problems through political dialogue rather than the use of force which, according to him, is the last option.Talking to reporters after the oath-taking ceremony of newly inducted caretaker provincial ministers, the governor said the government is compelled to use force only as a last option in dealing with the problems created by extremists.
Alipuri captured, govt on its way: He said extremist elements have captured the Alpuri area in Swat, but government forces are headed to the area. “We are taking action cautiously in our bid to avert collateral damage,” he said. “What we are interested in is that the extremists should vacate these areas and innocent people should be protected.”
About the presence of foreign fighters in Swat creating problems for the government, Orakzai said, “we have information about the presence of Uzbek nationals but this has not been confirmed yet”. Asked if the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) leadership had offered their services for resolving the situation in Swat, the Governor responded: “I have only read it in the newspapers, but there no such proposal has been submitted.”
Responding to a question on the human and material damage caused during the last few days of sectarian clashes at Parachinar in Kurram Agency, Orkazai said a situation had presumably been vitiated there to divert the governmentÂ’s attention from Swat. The governor said a peace jirga from Hangu representing both sects had been sent to Parachinar to tackle the situation.