Not allow Pakistan to become sanctuary of terrorist: Sharif
Islamabad: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday said he will not allow Pakistan to become a ‘sanctuary of terrorists’ and asserted that the military operation against the Taliban in North Waziristan tribal region would continue. He also rejected the reported differences with the army over the use of force.
“The civilian government and army are on the same page and all decisions regarding operation have been taken by complete consensus,” Sharif said.
“Now all political parties and the people should stand behind the armed forces in this operation,” Sharif added.
Sharif also said that the country suffered USD 103 billion of economic losses due to militancy in last 10 years. Sharif, who had launched peace talks in January to solve militancy, accused Taliban of sabotaging the entire peace process.
He said government had tried patiently to pursue peace talks but it was unfortunate that after four months dialogue could not be fruitful.
“On one hand we were pursuing dialogue, and on the other we were being targeted. We were pursuing talks, but from Islamabad courts to Karachi airport we were attacked,” the Prime Minister said.
“Despite the sacrifices of our soldiers, we gave peace talks first priority but our efforts were rendered in vain. This operation will be the start of a peaceful beginning of the country,” Sharif added.
The operation was launched on Sunday, a week after the deadly attack at Karachi airport which killed 37 people including the 10 attackers.
