President Zardari, Operation would continue till Waziristan is cleared of terrorists

Lahore, Pakistan:- British Foreign Secretary’s special representative Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles on Tuesday called on President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed matters relating to bilateral relations and Pakistan’s fight against extremism and militancy.

They also exchanged views on the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP), rehabilitation of displaced persons as a result of Waziristan operation, access to Pakistani products in EU markets and regional situation after post-Mumbai attacks. Those who attended the meeting included Interior Minister Rehman Malik; Secretary General to the President Salman Faruqui; Senator Sughra Imam and senior officials. British High Commissioner in Pakistan Robert Brinkley was also present.

Referring to the ongoing drive against militancy in the tribal areas of South Waziristan, the President said the operation would continue till the area is cleared of terrorists and the objectives of the operation are achieved. The government is equally focused on the relief and rehabilitation of the dislocated people from Waziristan, the President said and added that international community should step forward to share the burden. Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles appreciated the government’s determinations to fight against the militants and lauded the success made so far. He said that Britain will continue to support Pakistan build its ravaged economy and in the rehabilitation of the displaced people.