Need your backing to win war against terror, new ISI chief tells Pak House

The session remained inconclusive and will again meet on Thursday to review the worsening security situation and discuss the sudden surge in attacks on political and religious leaders by the militants.

A statement issued by the National Assembly Secretariat said the House was informed that internal security operations had to be undertaken in the tribal areas and the Swat valley of the NWFP to curb the menace of terrorism. The armed forces have “successfully conducted the operations with the support of the local people, who have risen against the militants by forming ‘lashkars’ (militias) in the affected areas”, it said.

The House was also informed that the government is “making all efforts to defeat extremism and terrorism and to bring peace and prosperity to the affected areas”.

Emerging from the briefing, parliamentarians refused to divulge details, saying they were sworn to secrecy. However, Opposition PML-N lawmaker Khurram Dastagir described the briefing as “superficial”.

The session, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Fehmida Mirza, was attended by Army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, PML-Q leader Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and provincial governors and chief ministers.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Kayani met President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday evening to review the briefing and to prepare for Thursday’s session. Sharif chaired a meeting of PML-N lawmakers to prepare a strategy to question the government anti-terror policy.

Sources said the joint session of parliament is expected to continue for another three to four days. Thursday’s session will be reserved for questions by parliamentarians. A debate is expected to begin on Monday.

The areas around parliament house were virtually closed off to the general public and traffic was diverted on alternative routes.

Over 5,000 paramilitary personnel provided back up to policemen guarding the “red zone” in the heart of Islamabad that has key government buildings like the parliament, the Supreme Court and presidency. Helicopters were also deployed for surveillance of the area.