PESA welcomes Govt decision not to initiate talks with India

Rawalpindi: The Executive Council of Pakistan Ex-servicemen Association (PESA) held a meeting to discuss current situation in the country, particularly, in relation to national security.  Lt. Gen Ali Kuli Khan, Vice Admiral Ahmad Tasnim, Lt. Gen Naeem Akbar, Air Marshal Masood Akhtar, Brig Mian Mahmud, Mr Salim Nawaz Gandapur, Brig Simon Sharaf, Brig. Masud ul Hassan and Major Farouk Hamid Khan participated.

All members acknowledged the progress being made by Operation Zarb-e-Azb and paid glowing tribute to the sacrifices being rendered by the Army and other para military forces in the fight to eliminate terrorist forces. At the same time grave concern was expressed about the welfare and resettlement of the civilian population uprooted due this war. Future of the next generation is at stake.

Recovery of 26 innocent girls of Bajaur from Karachi is an ugly indication of the prevailing economic and social conditions in our tribal areas. Government of Pakistani must take immediate steps to re-establish efficient and effective civil administration in tribal areas and help restore and strengthen their traditional system of local leadership that has been destroyed by TTP. Thereafter, steps should be undertaken taken for their social and economic development

Members called upon the people of Pakistan to continue with their generous efforts to help the people up-rooted by this war against terrorists till they are resettled at their places. PESA has donated 1,000 woolen blankets worth over Rs. 1.3 million for these displaced persons. These blankets were recently handed over by Captain Doctor Babur Zahiruddin to Army authorities at Bannu for further distribution.

Members appreciated our government’s policy of not taking any more initiative for resuming bilateral talks as those were cut off by India. At the same time it was desired that the government functionaries should also stop repeating this point at every opportunity.

Great anxiety was expressed about the conditions prevailing in Thar region. It is time that government issues a White Paper, describing in details, social and economic problems of those people, what has it already done so far to alleviate their sufferings and what are the plans for the future. It is also suggested that a proper non-political development authority be created for Thar that plans and executes long term plans for overall development of the area.