Pakistan reaffirms commitment to fight terrorism

WASHINGTON, March 1: Pakistan has reaffirmed its strong commitment not to allow any terrorist group to plan and launch violent activities from its soil.
This was stated by Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz while speaking at the 6th Ministerial Review of Pak-US Strategic Dialogue Process held in Washington.
The US side at the talks was led by Secretary of State John Kerry. Sartaj Aziz said measures are being taken to choke terrorist funding and accounts worth one billion rupees have been frozen so far.
He said that as a result of the ongoing military operation Zarb-e-Azb, the most treacherous and unreachable areas in FATA especially in North Waziristan are now under the writ of the State. Secondly, Sartaj Aziz said that in line with priorities of the ational Action Plan, the government is taking all necessary measures to launch intelligence based operations.
He said the government is engaging religious scholars and community leaders to establish close contacts with young people in their communities, mosques and schools and discuss issues that provoke radical narratives and misunderstandings. John Kerry said the United States recognizes the extraordinary and real sacrifices that Pakistan’s military has rendered in war on terror especially in Operation Zarb-e-Azb.
He said the United States has pledged 250 million dollars to help rehabilitate the people displaced by the military operation in tribal areas. John Kerry welcomed Pakistan’s commitment to not differentiate among terrorist groups.- DNA