Bhurban (Pakistan), July 21: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has reportedly welcomed the PPP-led coalition government’s hot pursuit policy for attaining peace in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), saying that the ongoing military operation in the region was “vital for the elimination of the menaces of terrorism and extremism”.

“Security forces are taking action to flush out terrorists and extremists from FATA,” Musharraf said and added that no one would be allowed to violate the country’s border.

He underlined the need for collective efforts to tackle the threat of extremism and terrorism, which otherwise “could cause further damage” to the country’s security.

A military operation would be a last option, only to be resorted to after negotiations and improvement in the area’s economic conditions, said Musharraf in an informal talk with Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Kayani.

On the occasion, Kayani briefed the President about the military operation in FATA and said it had been launched on the request of the NWFP government, reported the Daily Times. (ANI)