Military offensive no solution for insurgency hit areas: Gilani

Islamabad, Nov.8 : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has admitted that military operations in insurgency hit regions such as Swat, Malakand and South Waziristan would not help resolve the real issue and would have lasting effect.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Gilani said the government is taking all possible steps to ensure stability and peace in the region.

Gilani stressed that all political parties were taken on board before launching the military offensive in South Waziristan.

'The nation is also united on combating terrorism to the finish,' The Dawn quoted Gilani, as saying.

He said the government has taken all necessary steps to ensure the safe return thousands of internally displaced persons (IDP's) who were rendered homeless following the military operation in the region.

Gilani added that people who have been forced to flee the region following the South Waziristan offensive were being provided all help by the administration.

'A sum of 8.5 billion rupees has been set aside for Waziristan IDPs and every displaced family was being given 5,000 rupees. An amount of Rs 25,000 would be provided to each family on return home,' Gilani added.

--ANI