The demand to call off the ongoing army operation in Malakand by certain religious and political parties is equivalent to supporting the terrorists, Minister for Privatisation Naveed Qamar said on Saturday. Picked right up on that one, didn't he?
In a statement issued by the Privatisation Commission, Qamar said the elected democratic government reserved the right to take action to safeguard the life and property of the people. He said the enforcement of the Nizam-e-Adl Regulation was subject to the restoration of peace in the area, adding that the government would not act as a silent spectator after attacks on security forces, public and private property, and abduction of innocent people. Those who used civilians as human shield, beheaded Muslims and publicly lashed women deserved no sympathy, the minister added.
Qamar said after clear proofs of foreign support to the Taliban, no Pakistani could let them implement their nefarious designs, adding that the terrorists were working on some other agenda under the cover of enforcement of sharia. The minister said the people had now understood the real Taliban agenda and were supporting the government and the Pakistan Army for the country's secure future.