June 30, 2008	Monday	Jamadi-us-Sani 25, 1429

LAHORE, June 29: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said the government is adhering to a three-pronged strategy of political dialogue, development and the use of force to restore normalcy in tribal areas.

Addressing a press conference at the State Guest House here on Sunday evening, the prime minister said that the government would establish its writ in tribal areas at all costs.

He said that foreigners, especially from the Central Asian states, were involved in acts of terrorism across the country.

Answering a question, the prime minister rejected reports that foreign pressure was behind the operation in tribal areas.

“Our first priority is to settle the tribal issue through political dialogue, by initiating massive development in these areas and the use of force was the last option to ensure the government’s writ, and we stick to this policy,” he added.

Mr Gilani said that the provincial government had struck a peace deal with Taliban militants three months ago but the latter violated the agreement by carrying out executions, kidnapping members of the minority community and setting ablaze girls’ schools.

“No government can tolerate a parallel government and we will never compromise the country’s sovereignty, dignity and self-respect,” the prime minister said.

He said the operation in tribal areas was a provincial matter and the NWFP government could take any action to maintain law and order, and it could also seek help from the federal government.

Mr Gilani said the government and the people of the country wanted peace in the country.

He called upon media to create awareness among the masses about the menace of terrorism by arranging seminars and discussions and with their comments and editorials.

Referring to the Kashmir issue, the prime minister said that Pakistan would not accept any solution without the involvement of the people of Kashmir.

About sky-rocketing inflation, the prime minister said it was a global phenomenon caused by high oil prices.

He said the crisis had badly affected economies of all countries, except the oil producing countries. He said the country had rich agricultural base and the government would use it to bring about a green revolution.

“Luckily, Pakistan has a strong agricultural base and we will bring about white and green revolutions in the country,” he said.

In reply to a question about investigation into Ms Banazir Bhutto’s assassination, the prime minister said the government wanted the investigation to be carried out by an independent agency to ensure credibility of the findings.—APP