No military operation in Punjab until ’solid and credible’ evidence: Gilani

LAHORE - Despite terrorists striking at their will in Pakistan’s Punjab province, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has ruled out any immediate military operation in the region, saying an offensive would only be carried out if there is ’solid and credible’ information about the existence of terrorist outfits in the province.

Talking to reporters after visiting people who were injured in Thursday’s twin suicide attack on Hazrat Data Gunj Bukhsh shrine here, Gilani said action against extremist groups in South Punjab would only be initiated if the Interior Ministry or the Punjab government provide information.

“We will also take action against terrorists now wherever they (terrorists) challenge the writ of the government,” The Daily Times quoted Gilani, as saying.

He claimed that the Taliban and other extremist organisations based in the restive tribal region of Waziristan have been rooted out following military offensive and were now targeting civilians in the cities to divert attention.

Gilani also called for a joint effort from both the federal and provincial governments to address the issue of terrorism.

He added that political parties should avoid ‘blame game’, and start working to together to counter the terror threat facing the nation. (ANI)