World | Pakistan
Gilani: Citizens against terrorism
Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani insisted citizens were increasingly supportive of military action against insurgents, while the latest round of an offensive in a northwestern tribal region reportedly killed 16 more extremists.
- AP
- Published: 23:56 September 28, 2008
Islamabad: Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani insisted citizens were increasingly supportive of military action against insurgents, while the latest round of an offensive in a northwestern tribal region reportedly killed 16 more extremists.
The clashes in Bajaur - where a top official said militants have been forcing local families to give up their sons to fight - was coupled with violence elsewhere on Saturday in the volatile northwest. Police said they had launched a crackdown on militants on the outskirts of Peshawar, capturing 35 suspects.
More than 1,000 alleged militants have died since Pakistan launched the offensive in Bajaur in early August, officials said. The effort has won praise from US officials, who say Al Qaida and Taliban fighters involved in attacks on US and Nato forces in Afghanistan use Bajaur and neighbouring tribal regions as safe havens.
Many Pakistanis believe their nation's support of the US-led war on terror has bred violence in their country.
However, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said the tide was turning against domestic extremism.
Speaking to business leaders in the southern city of Karachi, Gilani noted that some tribes had set up their own armies to root out militants, while warning foreign insurgents to stay away from their areas.
"People are supporting the government. People are against terrorists," Gilani said.
Prior to the army's offensive, insurgents had a stranglehold on Bajaur, officials said.
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