Gilani calls for addressing root cause of terrorism

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani has emphasised the need for addressing the root causes of terrorism.

Addressing a tribal jirga from the merged districts on Thursday, he stated that many countries around the world are currently facing law and order issues. He recalled that during his tenure as Prime Minister, military operations in South Waziristan, Swat, and Malakand were conducted in consultation with stakeholders.

Gilani added that instability in Afghanistan led to an influx of refugees into Pakistan, and the country has suffered the most from terrorism. He emphasised that Pakistan carried out military operations with transparency, but the international community did not fulfill its promises to share the burden of Afghan refugees.

He also mentioned that he awarded Malala Yousafzai a peace award during his premiership, which was later recogniaed globally, and she received the Nobel Peace Prize three years later.

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Gilani added that operations in South Waziristan, Swat, and Malakand were conducted after consulting all stakeholders, which displaced 2.5 million people. However, he continued, they were rehabilitated within 90 days.

Gilani reiterated that peace is not merely the absence of war but the presence of justice. It is the government's responsibility to ensure peace in the country. He pointed out that the most pressing issues currently lie along Pakistan’s borders with Afghanistan and India.

He praised the sacrifices of the people in the tribal districts, stating that their contributions are unforgettable. Development in these areas is a priority, he said, noting that he himself belongs to South Punjab, which also faces poverty and unemployment. He urged the government to address the legitimate demands of the tribal people.

Gilani assured the gathering that the voices of the underprivileged in the tribal districts will not be silenced.