By SPA
Islamabad : Interior Minister Lt Gen (retd) Hamid Nawaz Khan says nearly 200 militants have so far surrendered before the authorities in Swat (North West Frontier Province or NWFP of Pakistan).
Terrorists are on the run and about 422 people involved in terrorist activities have been arrested from Swat, including 60 to 70 most active and immediate facilitators of terrorists, he told the reporters.
Besides, six tonnes of explosive material had also been recovered from the area, Nawaz said adding that law enforcement agencies have averted 20 to 30 possible incidents of terrorism in Punjab and Sindh during the month of Muharram and elections and also seized explosive material in huge quantity.
The minister appreciated the law enforcement agencies for ensuring peaceful conduct of the general elections and making foolproof security arrangements during Muharram.
However, he said by just preventing these incidents we are not going to be successful as it is very important to go back and hit the base area to eliminate terrorist organizations.
Regarding involvement of foreign elements in terrorist activities in Pakistan, Nawaz said he was talking about the growing general perception as such kind of activities could not be sustained longer without the help of foreign involvement. Perception could be stronger than the reality.
The minister underlined the need to evolve a joint and coordinated effort in NWFP to uproot the menace of terrorism and extremism from the society.
He said newly elected government in the province would have an important role to play in tackling the issue of terrorism.