Is Pak all set for anti-Taliban offensive in Waziristan?

Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani toured Pakistans troubled region of South Waziristan,fuelling speculation that a much-awaited military offensive into the region infested with Taliban and al-Qaeda militants may be in the offing.

General Kayani visited Waziristans main town of Wana and neighbouring Tank district in North West Frontier Province,where his troops and armour are massed for a big push to clear the region,where Americans suspects the worlds most-wanted two terrorists al-Qaeda Osama bin Laden and his deputy Ayman al-Zawahri may be hiding.

The Army Chief went round the area under strict security clampdown,with people confined to their homes and all streets and markets deserted,in an unannounced curfew with helicopters hovering overhead.

Story continues below this ad

Addressing troops in the region,media reports said Kayani claimed that Pakistan Army was close to winning the war against terrorist which he said would guarantee national security.

He attributed the armys recent success in the nearby Swat valley to bold strategy adopted and peoples support which he said had led to dismantling of terror network.