90 percent of Malakand Division under army control, PM told.

SWAT, August 10, 2009 (Frontier Star): The army has full control over the 90 percent of Malakand Division and the army along with the local administration is playing a major role in the rehabilitation of the affectees, General Commanding Officer (GCO) Major General Ashfaq Nadeem, incharge of operation ' Rah-e-Raast ' told the Prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani during a briefing. Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani and Army Chief Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani arrived in Swat on Monday. Major General Ashfaq Nadeem, incharge of operation ' Rah-e-Raast ' briefed prime minister about Swat operation and IDPs return at Circuit House. Chief minister NWFP Ameer Haider Hoti, Governor Owais Ahmad Ghani and other ministers also present in the briefing. Strict security measures were employed during the PM's surprise visit to Swat and the entire area was under the full control of the army. According to military sources, GCO Major General Ashfaq Nadeem told PM that the army has full control over 90 percent of the Malakand Division and the area has been purged of all militants. PM was also told that due to successful strategy the army along with the intelligence agencies have managed to capture several hidden militants and due to the support of the locals many have themselves surrendered. During the briefing the PM was also told that Tribal peace lashkars have also been set up at different areas of Swat that are supporting and aiding the government in action against militants. According to sources the Army Chief and Special Support Group in their briefing told the PM that the army along with the Civil administration is also working on the reconstruction and rehabilitation process of the affectees and all the returned affectees are being provided full security. PM praising the efforts of the armed forced and the people Swat said that the government is also working on war footing for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure in the war torn valley. PM said that the people of Swat have made enormous sacrifices and the government would not leave them in a lurch and would stand by them in their hour of need.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)