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PM Nawaz says use of force last option to tackle terrorism
ANKARA: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Tuesday that there were several options available to tackle terrorism, adding that the use of force would only be used as a last resort.
In an interview to Turkish media, the prime minister stated that force would be used as a last resort as the government wanted to avoid further loss of innocent lives. “Our challenge is to root out this menace (terrorism) from our midst. Pakistan needs cooperation and support of international community and our neighbours for controlling funding, supply of arms and training to terror networks.”
In reply to a question regarding Pakistan’s relations with India, the prime minister said that recent tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) were a matter of concern. “Pakistan will continue to respond to the situation with restraint and responsibility.” Prime Minister Sharif further said that Pakistan was committed to a serious, sustained and constructive engagement with India that must include the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.
When asked about US drone strikes in Pakistan’s tribal areas, the prime minister replied that they not only violated the country’s sovereignty and international law but were also counterproductive and lead to further radicalization. “These strikes undermine our collective efforts to counter extremism and terrorism. We hope that there is a rethink in the US about the utility of the drone strikes.”
Courtesy www.geo.tv