Operation in southern Punjab soon

LAHORE - State Minister for Interior Tasnim Ahmed Qureshi has said the government will soon start search operation against the suspected militants and terrorists in Southern Punjab.
He was talking to mediamen during his visit to the Central Jail Staff Training Institute (CJSTI) here on Tuesday. Upon his arrival, a contingent of Prison Police presented guard of honour to him.
Later, the minister also visited the classrooms, museum and library of the Institute, and the Principal of the CJSTI gave him briefing. On this occasion, Tasnim Qureshi assured that the government would provide every facility to make the institution advance to meet needs of the modern age.
Referring to the Mian Channu blast, Tasnim Qureshi said the government had information that terrorists were trying to establish themselves in the southern Punjab. “The blast was not an attack, as the agencies have termed the incident as an explosion during preparation of the bombs, and other materials,” he said, while ruling out the apprehensions about major security threats arising in the Punjab by militants and banned organisations.
Replying to a question about the Malakand operation, Qureshi maintained that the Army was approaching success in the area.
He also elaborated that the military operation was not going on in Waziristan, and averred that it was as only a search operation against the militants challenging the writ of the government. “Investigations are underway to probe the possible involvement of the foreign elements behind the terrorists’ activities in Pakistan, and until the result of the probe are clear, no one could be pinpointed,” he added, He assured that after the investigation, the government would share the information with the media and public, while the supporters of the terrorists would be exposed without any delay.
Qureshi said that the government was in contact with New Delhi regarding the investigations into Mumbai terror attacks, and no hurdles were being created from Pakistan. “Friends of Pakistan are also playing a positive role for the dialogue between the two countries. We assure the world that Pakistan will never facilitate the terrorists and any act of terrorism and we will not allow anyone to use our territory for terrorism,” he observed.
He urged the people to remain alert and well aware about their surroundings even in the remote areas, and share information regarding the activities by any suspected persons for the sake of the national security.
The Nation:July 15, 2009