Military action alone cannot end menace of terrorism

ASSOCIATED PRESS SERVICE
ISLAMABAD — The government has said that it has been pursuing a comprehensive policy against terrorism which combines political, socio-economic and military elements.
Foreign Office spokesman Mohammed Sadiq said in his weekly briefing yesterday: “The government believes that the military action alone will not be effective in permanently ending the menace of terrorism.”
He said political engagement is an essential part of the policy but it is possible only with those who renounce militancy and violence; do not allow the use of Pakistan’s territory against any other country; and do not help foreign terrorist elements to find hideouts in the country.
The spokesman said: “The security requirements will not be abandoned or ignored under the policy. Negotiations with tribal leaders and notables are aimed at supporting military efforts with political ones.”
Replying to a question about foreign policy to solve the Kashmir issue, the spokesman said that Pakistan was still committed to the peaceful resolution of the issue in accordance with UN resolutions through mutual consultations.
The spokesman said that the foreign office was in the process of coordination with other ministries and departments to work out modalities for constituting an international commission to probe into the tragic assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
In this regard, he added, all concerned were in touch with the ministry of foreign affairs. “The contents of the resolution unanimously adopted by the National Assembly are explicit. The modalities for constituting the international commission are being worked out by the foreign ministry in consultation with all concerned,” the spokesman said.
The spokesman said that the Japanese foreign minister’s visit to Pakistan was important. Progress was made in a number of areas.
“Japan’s policy on non-proliferation of nuclear and strategic weapons is longstanding since the World War II. Pakistan shares the objectives of this policy.” To a question about how Japan felt about Pakistan’s new policy of engaging with militants, the spokesman said that Japan had shown understanding for Pakistan’s policy on the war on terror. “The Japanese foreign minister in this regard announced that he would brief the G-8 members on Pakistan’s policy,” he added.
Replying to a question about changes in the foreign policy with the commencement of the new government, the spokesman said the basic objective of foreign policy was protection of the national interest.
He said that any change or adjustment in foreign policy was dictated by the requirements of national interest and aspiration of the people.