Fresh operations against militants necessary: Pak Minister

Authorities in militancy-hit northwestern Pakistan could launch a fresh drive against militants as the problem of terrorism is yet to be resolved and could endanger regional peace, a provincial minister said today.

Authorities in militancy-hit northwestern Pakistan could launch a fresh drive against militants as the problem of terrorism is yet to be resolved and could endanger regional peace, a provincial minister said on Friday.

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Mian Iftikhar Hussain, the Information Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, indicated that a fresh operation could be launched against militants in Peshawar and its surrounding areas.

Hussain made the remarks after visiting people injured in a devastating suicide attack in the nearby Mohmand tribal region.

Two suicide bombers struck a government office in the semi-autonomous region, killing 65 people and injuring over 110 others.

The problem of terrorism has not yet been resolved and could endanger regional peace if effective measures are not taken, Hussain told the media at Lady Reading Hospital here.

He said "severe action" should be taken against terrorists wherever they are present, including Punjab province.

If this is not done, terrorism could jeopardize regional peace, he said.

"We will never bow down before them (terrorists) and they cannot deter our resolve and determination. We will fight against them till the last," Hussain said.

The suicide bombers struck in Mohmand Agency ahead of a meeting between local officials and a "peace committee" or anti-Taliban militia.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack and said it was carried out because the officials and the militia were planning to organise a jirga against the militants.

Hussain said the militants were targeting government offices to make their presence felt.

Therefore, effective action is necessary against militants across the country, he added.