Ch. Nisar Ali Khan discussed security situation with Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore: Federal Interior Minister, Ch. Nisar Ali Khan met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, here today. General security situation was discussed in the meeting with particular reference to the security situation in Punjab. The ongoing dialogue process with Taliban was also discussed and Interior Minister updated the Chief Minister on the process.

Clarifying and elaborating on certain press statements by certain political leaders regarding the chances of success through military operation, the Minister for Interior who himself was present in the meeting told Chief Minister that there should be no misconception in any body’s mind about capability and the strength of the armed forces of Pakistan to ensure security in any part of Pakistan.

He said that this capability has been proved time and again and two recent examples are restoration of peace and security in Swat and targeted operation in Waziristan in the backdrop of Bannu incident. He said that percentage of 40 percent of success in case of military action is being quoted totally out of context.

The government is perusing the dialogue process in right earnest and as a genuine peace option however, there is no doubt about the capability of the armed forces of Pakistan to meet the defined objectives in given timeframe. He said Pakistan’s armed forces are fully geared, equipped and motivated to ensure security of the country in any corner of Pakistan once it is given ‘go ahead’ by the government.

The Chief Minister in his remarks lauded the sacrifices of the armed forces for the defense of Pakistan and said that not only the government but people of Pakistan also have full confidence in the capability, professionalism and commitment of the armed forces of Pakistan. The Chief Minister said that any statement which compromises or affects the morale or fighting spirit of the armed forces should be avoided at all cost. The armed forces of the country need the support of all the political parties and people of the country, he added.

Discussion also focused on capacity building of the police and the civil armed forces operating in Punjab and ensuring that there is a greater cooperation and coordination between federal and the provincial governments.