Islamabad, January 16, 2009: The Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms Sherry Rehman has said that the Government is determined to restore peace in the Swat Region and the violation of human rights of the citizens is not acceptable. No matter how long it takes and whatever sacrifices it entails, we will pursue our goals.

“All government actions to respond to the issue of militancy in Swat and other regions are backed by our resolve to root out terrorism. We are committed to establishing lasting peace in the region and this requires tough actions and difficult decisions. This is a long-term struggle and the entire nation backs the government’s move to flush out the militants from the area,” said Ms Sherry Rehman talking to the media on Government’s response to the militant threat in Swat.

The Federal Information Minister informed the National Assembly today that the government has decided to authorise the provincial government via PEMRA to block the transmission of illegal FM broadcast that serves as the main communication link of the militants to the public. “The Federal Government has issued formal authorisation for jamming the channels. The PEMRA, the PTA and the Frequency Allocation Board are extending technical assistance to the provincial government to implement the decision. These unauthorised channels have played an instrumental role in strengthening the position of the militants in the region and blocking these will be a major step towards a crackdown on these elements. We are aware, however, that since mobile transmitters are used, all frequencies will be impossible to jam at this stage.”

Responding to a media query on the ban on girls’ education in Swat, Ms Sherry Rehman said that militant’s resistance to girls’ education will not be tolerated. “Schools are already closed for winter vacations in Swat and they will reopen on March 1. The local administration and the jirga have been directed to provide security to the school going children and to ensure that schools remain operational in the region.”

Ms Sherry Rehman informed the media that the Federal Government is in contact with the ANP-led Provincial Government of NWFP over the issue. “Being an elected Provincial Government, the ANP has the mandate to establish peace in the region. A unified approach incorporating political will and practical actions is the only way forward to resolve the issue. The Federal Government has repeatedly stressed that it would back and facilitate all efforts for the security and protection of the citizens of the region. However, the Provincial Government faces serious challenges in terms of resources and security but stands committed to fulfil its constitutional obligations.”

The Federal Information Minister said that the problems of the Swat region are compounded by the complexities that are the outcome of the earlier half-hearted attempts at rooting out extremists from the area. “We cannot leave the people of Swat at the mercy of the terrorists.”

Ms Sherry Rehman pointed out that it is important to understand that security forces are working under extremely challenging circumstances in the region. “They are battling terrorists within the constraints of the law whereby they cannot undertake indiscriminate killing and collective punishment like the Taliban who are ruthlessly murdering and maiming our citizens. The military is trying to minimise the collateral damage, but action against militants is critical. We must cleanse the region of the presence and the influence of the militants to allow our citizens to live a free life.”

The Federal Information Minister said that the government will pursue political, social and economic measures to establish long-term peace in the area. “All our efforts for peace in Swat are aimed at providing the citizens security and opportunities for future growth. The government is working on a comprehensive social and economic plan for the region.”

Ms Sherry Rehman stressed in her National Assembly speech that the government is obliged to deliver on public’s aspirations for national stability and regional peace. “The whole nation is unanimous against terrorism as reflected in the October 22 Joint Parliamentary Resolution Against Terrorism as well as in the overwhelming public support for peaceful and progressive Pakistan. Our counter terrorism efforts are a part of our public mandate and the PPP is totally committed to the battle against extremism. Our leader, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto gave her life to this commitment knowing full well the dangers she faced. All those who fly her banner are also devoted to this mission.”