No let up in fight against extremism, says President

MARDAN—President General Pervez Musharraf on Monday reiterating government’s resolve against extremism and terrorism vowed to continue the fight till elimination of this scourge.
Addressing a military darbar here at the Punjab Regimental Centre where 41 recruits were killed in a terrorist attack last Wednesday, the President said suicide attacks were against the spirit of Islam. President Musharraf said if the government did not check the scourge of extremism and terrorism it could damage the country internally, however he expressed his government’s resolve to fight it with full force.
President Musharraf strongly condemned the incident and expressed his profound grief over the incident and loss of innocent lives. The President said the government was determined to fight extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
The President said the Pakistan Army was fully capable to take up this challenge and its morale was high. He asked the nation to maintain unity and solidarity amongst its rank and file and to raise its voice against thos who preach violence and hatred. He asked them to reject those who were trying in vain to impose their thoughts of extremism on others. President Musharraf recalled the great sacrifices rendered by the Punjab regiment in the past and said it was the oldest formation of Pakistan Army with several medals of honour, including Nishan-e-Haider to its credit.
The President assured that the families of the martyrs would be well looked after by both the civil and military authorities. He said good care was being taken of the injured. Corps Commander Peshawar Lt. Gen. Hamid and General Officer Commanding Maj. Gen. Arif received the President when he arrived at the Punjab Regimental Centre. Prayers were also offered for the martyrs.
President General Pervez Musharraf Monday underscored the need to sustain pace of development work in Balochistan and said completion of various infrastructure and social sector projects would bring a sea change in lives of common people in the province. Chairing a high-level meeting here, attended by Governor Balochistan, Chief Minister and senior political leadership of the province, the President said that past governments neglected Balochistan which has tremendous potential in various sectors like livestock, fisheries, mining etc., that can be promoted for the prosperity of the people.
He said the government was concentrating on peace and development in Balochistan with greater focus on creating job opportunities and ensuring better education and health facilities. The President recounted various initiatives of the present government to improve living standard and make up for the past neglect meted out to the people of Balochistan.
The participants of the meeting also discussed in detail and exchanged views on various political initiatives being taken for promotion of peace and harmony in the province. Besides political initiatives being taken, he referred to creation of 32,000 jobs in the province by the federal government, many of which have already been filled with the induction of the local people.—APP