SIALKOT: Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif has ruled out any timeframe for early completion of the ongoing military operation in North Waziristan Agency (NWA) and said it will continue till elimination of terrorism, militancy and insurgency from the tribal areas.

Talking to journalists at his residence on Sunday, he said that though announcement of any timeframe for the operation was not possible at the moment, the government would take mainstream political parties into confidence over eradication of terrorism and early rehabilitation and repatriation of the people displaced from the NWA.

He said the Zarb-i-Azb operation was continuing successfully with the prayers of the nation. The government wanted an early completion of the operation.

The minister said the nation stood united against terrorism and people were even ready to sacrifice their lives while fighting the militants alongside the armed forces personnel.

He added that the PML-N government was fully aware of the internal and external threats to the country and was making hectic efforts to cope with them. The government was committed to weed out terrorism from the country with the support of the masses.

Mr Asif urged the media to play its pivotal role and perform its national obligation in letter and spirit.

Later, addressing the party workers, the minister said the armed forces were fully capable of uprooting terrorism and ensuring a durable peace and rule of law in the country.

He said the government was also strengthening national institutions through promoting democracy, as there was rule of law in the country.

He also issued orders on several applications submitted by the people of his constituency regarding collective issues.

MPAs Chaudhry Mohammad Ikram, Chaudhry Arshad Warraich and PML-N leaders Mehmoodul Hassan, Babar Khan, Shujaat Ali Pasha and others were also present.

Published in Dawn, July 7th, 2014