Pakistan adopts three point strategy to address militancy, terrorism: FM

ISLAMABAD : Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Friday said Pakistan has adopted a three point comprehensive strategy to address militancy and terrorism that includes political, socio-economic and military options. Talking to state newsagency APP on the issue of political negotiations in FATA, the Foreign Minister said, “Government of Pakistan has a comprehensive strategy to address militancy and terrorism and our strategy has three broad elements: political, socio-economic and military.”
The Foreign Minister said, “We believe that military action alone will not be effective in permanently ending the phenomenon of terrorism.”
He said, “We are reaching out to the tribal leaders and notables as part of the political element of our overall strategy in fight against terrorism.”
The political engagement is possible only with those who renounce militancy and violence; don’t allow the use of Pakistan’s territory against any other country; and do not help foreign terrorist elements to find hideouts in Pakistan’s territory, he added.
The Foreign Minister underlined that as opposed to the past, the Government is negotiating from the position of strength.
“A strong implementation mechanism is part of these negotiations and peace in FATA will ensure access to the Government to engage in socio-economic development of the area,” he added.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said, “History suggests that use of force alone can lead to self perpetuating violence. However, the determination to use force, wherever required, remains an important element of our strategy.”
He said, “We firmly believe that our focused and determined efforts, which have a combination of political, socio-economic and military elements, will lead to permanent end to militancy.”