Musharraf expresses resolve to eliminate terrorism from Society   
By Aziz Malik 'Pakistan Times' Federal Bureau Chief

ISLAMABAD: President General Pervez Musharraf expressing the government’s resolve and conviction to eliminate terrorism from society has called upon the nation and political forces to work unitedly for accomplishment of this task.

He stated this while chairing a meeting of Ministers and selected members of Parliament from the four provinces on Wednesday.

The meeting discussed the current political situation in the country.

The President said that the extremism and terrorism is the critical problems facing the nation and we have to deal with it very forcefully.

He said that the protection of National Interest is our priority and the Government will take all possible measures to protect our National Interest.

The meeting also reviewed the development activities undertaken by the government and the measures for alleviation of poverty and improving the quality of life of the common man.

The participants while appreciating the steps taken by the government for elimination of terrorism expressed their firm resolve to support the government to accomplish this task.

In-depth

President General Pervez Musharraf said Wednesday that terrorism and extremism pose a serious threat to national security and it will be combated and crushed at all costs.

A meeting was held at President House here with President Musharraf in the chair, attended by treasury members and ministers of federal cabinet.

The meeting mulled over diverse issues including Malakand and Bajaur incidents, Women Protection Bill and the political scenario of the country.

According a statement issued here, President Musharraf resolved that the government would exterminate terrorism and extremism from the society completely.

He urged the political forces and general public to step forward to assist the government.

'Pakistan Times' [Daily Web Newspaper] understands through credible sources that President Musharraf condemned the act of terrorism in Malakand and said it might be a reaction of Bajaur incident.

Gen Musharraf said that the terrorists attempted to challenge the writ of government and the government would deal with them sternly.

According to sources, the President stressed the ministers to bring the facts involved in Bajaur incident above board and play a rightful role to put an end to the negative propaganda projected by the different elements.

President Musharraf said that since one year, Maulvi Liaquat was playing mischief in Bajaur and after persistent monitoring, the crackdown was launched against terrorists present in the seminary.

Regarding Women’s Protection Bill, President Musharraf said that if needed, the law ministry would introduce slight amendments into the bill, adding he said that otherwise, the bill approved by the select committee would be passed on the floor of National Assembly.●