Don't fool people by claiming "premature"success in Swat operation : former PAF official
1 Jul 2009, 1549 Hrs

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Islamabad, July 1 While the Pakistan government has been claiming that the Swat military offensive has been successful and nearing its end, a former Pakistan Air Force (PAF) top official, Air Marshal (retired) Masood Akhter has raised questions over the claims by saying that people shouldn't be fooled through such statements.

During a discussion on 'Post-Swat Operation Outlook' here, Akhter said people should not hope that the war against terrorism and the extremist threat would end within a few weeks.

"We shouldn't befool people by saying war against militancy will end within a few weeks. The army is rendering sacrifices there and we must support it but it'll take some time to completely defeat these elements," The Daily Times quoted Akhter, as saying.

Akhter said the military offensive in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) would continue until militants are rooted out from region, and added that it was in Pakistan's interest to quell extremism.

"It's our war because it threatens our vital national interest and our moderate way of life, and the non-state actors are also threatening all of us," he added.

Akhter highlighted that the government's work should not be limited to flushing out of the militants, but it should also cover the post-war scenario.

"The government should socially and ideologically isolate adversaries, sever links between local terrorists and international jihadis, and wean people away from religious extremism," he said. (ANI)

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