Terror attacks intoleralable: Pakistan COAS

KABUL, has said terrorist attacks will no longer be tolerated.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Raheel Sharif, during his visit to the Corps Headquarters in Peshawar on Saturday, pledged an effective response to insurgent strikes.

The government, trying to persuade the militants to lay down their weapons through peace negotiations, the government says it will use “force as a last resort”.

Gen. Sharif laid a flower wreath at Yadgar-i-Shuhada on his arrival in the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He also paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the defence of motherland, a statement from the military said.

The army chief appreciated the resolve shown by the officers and men during the fight against terrorism and bringing stability to militancy-hit areas.

Also on Saturday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said his government would continue to pursue dialogue with the Taliban despite hurdles, in an effort to bring peace and harmony to the country.

A handful of misguided and disgruntled people were fuelling unrest in society but the Pakistani government and people were determined to curb religious bigotry, Sharif told a Christmas function in the eastern city of Lahore.

Speaking at the governor’s house, he accused the distracted elements of attacking churches, mosques and other worship places. “We must obstruct the way of such elements by forging unity in our ranks.”

Unity and interfaith harmony were necessary to eliminate religious hatred, terrorism and extremism, observed the premier, who said his administration discouraged discrimination on the basis of religion, caste and colour.

PAN Monitor/mud

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