Root causes to be eliminated for curbing terrorism: Rehman
By Adnan Rafique

ISLAMABAD—Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior A. Rehman Malik Thursday asserting the government’s commitment for curbing terrorism said that first its root causes will be eliminated. Talking to media persons after inaugural session of Police Chiefs’ meeting of SAARC countries, he said the government will utilize all available resources against terrorism.
“The government will take stringent action against terrorist, extremist and miscreants,” he said adding “No body will be allowed to take law in hands and disturb peace.” The Advisor said, “Our great leader Benazir Bhutto wanted to see Pakistan a peaceful country of the world but victimized by the terrorists. Pakistan Peoples Party will transform her dream into reality by eliminating terrorism,” he asserted. Rehman said a draft has been prepared for requesting UN for probe into the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, while the government has summoned investigation reports into her assassination.
He said the government has not imposed any restriction on public rallies and procession across the country, while makes it mandatory to take prior permission from the administration. “Due to security reasons, the rallies and procession will be allowed at specific places, the law in this regard exists and we will re-enforce it.”
Earlier, addressing the inaugural session, he urged the SAARC countries to formed a joint strategy and extend more cooperation for elimination of terrorism, drug smuggling and other trans-national crimes.
He said SAARC member states are facing a number of daunting challenges like terrorism, extremism, poverty organized crimes, drug trafficking, human smuggling and laundering as well as host of other problems that have critical ramifications for law enforcement community.
He said “Pakistan will play a positive and constructive role in bringing our people closer and making this region secure, peaceful and prosperous.” He said “politico-social reforms, economic opportunities and selective use of force against the militants are going to be the main facets of our policy.” Rehman said Pakistan the government keeps on reviewing various provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997 to be more effective, however, “We intend to certainly learn from experiences and legislation adopted against terrorism and other organized crimes by the remaining SAARC countries to be represented in the meeting.
Rehman said Pakistan and Afghanistan needs more cooperation against the menace of terrorism.