(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) Pakistani Premier Nawaz Sharif on Monday said Zarb-e-Azb military operation in north Waziristan tribal region bordering Afghanistan aimed at eliminating terrorism, to ultimately peace and stability.
During a speech in the lower house of parliament, the premier justified the decision to initiate a full-scale operation in North Waziristan to eliminate terrorism from the country.
He said the government had tried patiently to pursue peace talks but it was unfortunate that after four and a half months of trying peace, 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," said Sharif.
"Our places of worship and mosques were targeted, our schools were targeted. We will change the fate of this country and under no circumstances will the country be allowed to serve as a safe haven for terrorists," he added.
The Prime Minister said that all important decisions were taken with mutual agreement between civilian and military leadership.
He added that despite the sacrifices of "our soldiers, we gave peace talks first priority but our efforts were rendered in vain." He expressed hope that the ongoing operation will be the start of a peaceful beginning of the country.
The military operation was launched on Sunday and most of the political parties including Pakistan Muslim League, Pakistan Peoples Party, Tehreek e Insaf and Mutahida Qaumi Movement welcomed the offensive.
The Pakistan-Afghan border was also sealed off while the Afghan National Army was also requested to plug possible escape routes across the border.
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