Pakistani PM vows to force militants to lay down arms

Source: Xinhua | 05-12-2009 09:03

ISLAMABAD, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Monday vowed to force the militants to lay down arms and said the writ of the government would be established at all cost.

Speaking at the parliament, Gilani accused the militants of pursuing foreign agenda to destabilize Pakistan and its institutions, according to official Associated Press of Pakistan.

"No matter how strong they may get, they cannot fight with the armed forces of Pakistan. We will soon force them to lay down their arms," Gilani said, "These terrorists are out there trying to destabilize and conquer Pakistan. They have their own agenda. They don't have a religion and are working under their foreign masters."

The parliament session was convened exclusively to review the ongoing military operation against the militants in the northwest.

All the stakeholders had agreed that the operation in the area had become unavoidable and the parliamentarians belonging to Swat, Buner, Shangla and other adjoining areas were taken on board prior to the action, Gilani said.