ARMY chief Gen Kayani has said that no army wants to fight against its own people and that the security forces will play a vital role in development and progress in the tribal regions. The COAS has visited parts of Fata many times in the past. …He has also discussed with the tribal elders the problems being faced by the common people in the tribal regions.

…The military operation in Fata had been launching during the regime of Gen Pervez Musharraf…. It is true that miscreants had entered the tribal areas soon after the entry of the US-led Nato forces in Afghanistan. Had tribal elders played their effective role to eject the terrorist elements … the situation would not have worsened to this extent.

…At the same time the terrorists also targeted innocent people in settled areas when security forces started action against them in parts of Fata. They not only shed blood … but also deprived people of their property and damaged the infrastructure. The people, during the last general elections had voted for the ruling parties … to rid them of their problems. The main issues being faced by the people include price hike, unemployment, law and order but the government has failed to fulfil its duty. …However, the rulers proved themselves to be more loyal to the United States…. — (June 20)

Selected and translated by Ali Hazrat Bacha.