ISLAMABAD, Feb 13: A high-level security meeting presided over jointly by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday reviewed the situation in tribal areas and the NWFP and decided to continue the military operation in Swat till the establishment of government’s writ.

The meeting expressed satisfaction over the way the fight against militancy was proceeding and vowed to continue the campaign till the eradication of militancy and complete restoration of the writ of the government.

The meeting was attended by Chief of the Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, PM’s Adviser on Interior Rehman Malik, NWFP Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani and Chief Minister Haider Khan Hoti, ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Khan and ISI Director General Lt-Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha.

The meeting was briefed on the situation in Swat and Fata and efforts being made to restore normality in the disturbed areas.

The meeting was informed that the government would instal jammers in Swat to block FM radio transmissions being used by militants for anti-government propaganda and for sermons inciting the people to attack security forces.

The meeting was of the view that the government had no other option but to root out terrorism and militancy from the region.

President Zardari said it was necessary to combat extremists and root out militancy. “The absence of options makes the choice abundantly clear,” he added.

The president said that the militants were using force to impose their own political agenda on the people of Pakistan, but they would never be allowed to succeed.

The meeting praised the courage and steadfastness of law-enforcement personnel in the campaign against militants and lawless elements.

The president said: “Many of them have laid down their lives and many others have been injured in the line of duty. They are our heroes.”

The meeting also praised the courage of local people for standing up to the militants and refusing to abandon their homes and land.

Earlier, President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani separately met Army Chief Gen Kayani and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and discussed with them issues relating to the report of Mumbai attack investigation, the war on terror, security situation in Swat, Senate election and performance of the government.

The president expressed satisfaction over FIA’s investigation into the Mumbai attacks and expressed the hope that India would cooperate with Pakistan in bringing the perpetrators to justice.