Peshawar, Sept 29: The Pakistan Government is learnt to have chalked out a decisive plan to launch a major crackdown on Taliban in the Tribal Areas. But, the actual implementation of the plan would depend on the “availability of men and material”, said a government official.

“The government understands that it is time to launch a crackdown against the Taliban before it is too late,” the Daily Times quoted an unidentified senior government official as saying. He, however, refused to give the exact date for launching the operation.

“Troops are presently engaged at several fronts like Bajaur, Waziristan, Swat, Darra Adam Khel and most recently in Shabqadar area of Charsadda. Decisive action would be taken to curb terrorists activities in Mohmand, Jamrud, Landi Kotal and other areas,” he said, adding that it did not mean that the government was not planning action against Taliban in other areas.

The official, whose identity was kept secret, said that the government had been told that any delay at this juncture would amount to inviting bigger trouble in the future. “Therefore, we have to go all-out against those disturbing peace in any area. Action must be taken before it’s too late. It’s now or never,” he said, and added that the recent operation in Shabqadar was part of the government’s resolve to the purge all areas of Taliban.” (ANI)