July 17, 2007	Tuesday	Rajab 01, 1428

ISLAMABAD, July 16: Terming the law and order situation alarming following suicide attacks in Miramshah, Swat and Dera Ismail Khan, federal minister for information and broadcasting Mohammad Ali Durrani on Monday said the government and the opposition should jointly devise a national strategy to counter terrorism and extremism.

Talking to mediapersons here, he said after launching attacks against the security forces, the terrorists were now targeting innocent civilians which was very alarming. He said in Swat and Matta the terrorists had also targeted innocent civilians.

He said the situation was dreadful and demanded a well- conceived and well-worked out national strategy jointly devised by all the political forces, the media, intellectuals and people from all walks of life.

The minister said the nation should strongly raise its voice against terrorism and extremism.

Elaborating his viewpoint, he said anti-Pakistan forces could try to use this situation for their ulterior motives. He said the entire nation should rise to the challenge and foil the nefarious designs of terrorists and extremist elements.

To a question regarding the resignation of MMA president Qazi Hussain Ahmed from parliament, the minister said any hasty or emotional act was not the answer to the situation.

“Rather, this is the time to strengthen the political forums. The politicians should play their part in strengthening political institutions, as terrorism is an offshoot of an anti- democratic mindset.”