April 19, 2008	Saturday	Rabi-us-Sani 12, 1429

ISLAMABAD, April 18: Prime Minister’s Adviser on Interior Rehman Malik has informed NWFP Governor Owais Ghani that the federal government has decided to deal sternly with militants in tribal areas.

A meeting held here on Friday and jointly chaired by Mr Malik and Mr Ghani reviewed the law and order situation in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), an official of interior ministry said.

The meeting, which was also attended by federal Interior Secretary Syed Kamal Shah and Fata’s members of the National Assembly, deliberated upon the future strategy about peace and security in the region.

The meeting firmly resolved that no one would be allowed to take law into his own hands and violators would be severely dealt with. The meeting decided to solve the problems of Fata but, at the same time, establish the writ of the government, while respecting tribal traditions.

The meeting decided to examine the Pakistan-Afghanistan trade and to eliminate smuggling and extortion.

“People of Fata are our brothers. Their firm and supportive role will be remembered forever,” Mr Malik said, adding that the government would ensure absolute protection of their life and property.

PPI adds: Mr Malik held a meeting with Jamaat-i-Islami amir Qazi Hussain Ahmed at latter’s residence and sought his advice on maintaining law and order.

The PM’s adviser took the JI chief into confidence about the government’s political strategy.

Later briefing the media, Qazi Hussain said he was ready to provide consultation to government on maintaining law and order. However, he said, the government should take action against groups conspiring to disturb peace in Karachi.

“The government is seriously considering to pull out forces from Balochistan, Swat and Fata,” he quoted Mr Malik as saying.

He said the APDM would not take part in the by-elections in the presence of President Pervez Musharraf.