No decision on North Waziristan operation as yet: Malik

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior Rehman Malik Wednesday apprised the Senate that the government has not yet decided to launch military operation in North Waziristan.

"For the time being, there is no such plan for military operation in North Waziristan. But if needed, the decision would be taken by political and military leadership of the country", he said speaking on
a point of order.

He said the government is committed to take action against terrorists, "we will eliminate terrorism from our soil and will take action against them wherever terrorists were found in any part of the country".

The minister said he has announced Rs100 million bounty for TTP spokesman Ihsanullah Ihsan.

He said anyone who would provide tip-off leading to arrest of Ihsanullah Ihsan or end his life would get the hefty cash amount.

Malik said there are reports that the TTP was planning to replace Hakimullah Mehsud with Maulana Fazlullah as the head of the militant
outfit.

He said people involved in the attack of Malala Yusufzai have nothing
to do with Islam and humanity.

"They are enemies of Islam and Pakistan", Malik said.

He regretted some people are afraid of naming elements who were
involved in attack on Malala.

The interior minister said the government is ready to hold dialogue with the militants if they surrender and accept the government's writ.

He said if they (terrorists) are being paid Rs.20,000 the government will impart training to them and would also offer job opportunities to
them.

He urged the youth to come up and play their productive role for the prosperity, progress and development of the country.

He said on the directive of President Asif Ali Zardari, Malala has been sent abroad for medical treatment and that she would also be conferred on Sitara-i-Jurat.

He said the government would take action against people involved in kidnappings in Balochistan and that some elements were trying to
destabilize the country.

"We have to take decision to initiate action against these elements", he said.

He suggested that a six-member committee should be constituted to hold dialogue with estranged leadership of the Balochistan. (APP)