ISLAMABAD, Jul 9 (APP): Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said the government had achieved the targets of military operation in Malakand division and the return of displaced people to their homes would start from July 13. “We have achieved the targets,” the Prime Minister said while addressing a press conference at PM House, however made it clear that the army would remain present in the area even after culmination of the operation.

The Prime Minister said the government was confident to win the fight against militants as it enjoyed full public support over the issue.

When asked whether the military operation would continue as the top leadership of the militants was still at large, the Prime Minister said the operation was the prerogative of the provincial government and they could call in the army wherever and whenever required.

He asked the provincial government to remain firm against the militants and assured federal government’s complete support in this regard.

Gilani also appealed the nation to recognize blacksheep among them and expel them from their ranks.

On IDPs’ return, Gilani said the Special Support Group would chalk out a plan for their safe return to their homes from July 13.

He said by the time the displaced people return to their homes, the issue of security would be completely resolved, adding that the infrastructure of electricity, gas, banks had already been restored.

Gilani also mentioned setting up an institution headed by the prime minister and with others including chief ministers, Inspector General Police, and representatives of provincial and federal governments, which would give an assessment report about the losses incurred in the wake of military operation.

He said the SSG was independent in giving proposals for providing relief to the host families who accommodated the IDPs in their homes.

The Prime Minister said the government’s efforts against terrorism and extremism had resumed the international community’s trust in the country, however stressed that military option was not the solution to restore peace in the tribal areas.

He mentioned the government’s 3 R – Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction policy for the uplift of displaced people and to mitigate their sufferings with sincerity.

He said the militant presented a distorted version of Islam and asked the media to continue working positively and try not to portray the militants as heroes.

He said the military action had full public support, as no one shed tears on the killing of terrorists but for the sacrifices of soldiers who laid their lives for the country.

Gilani said the government would follow the home-grown policy as it was fighting its own war and termed the drone attacks as counter-productive.

“We don’t need to convince them, but if they really want to help us, they should stop the drone attacks.”

About the Ordinance on Petroleum Development Levy, Prime Minister Gilani said it was issued by the President on his (prime minister’s) advice.

He said the government had full respect for the verdict of Supreme Court on staying Carbon Tax, and it always held judiciary in high esteem.

Gilani said being parliamentarian for six times, he fully realized the importance of public vote, however sometimes unpopular decisions were necessary to be taken in national interest.

“The intention [of the Ordinance] is to provide the relief for the future of countrymen,” he said.

Gilani said the government would seek time from the court for its team of financial experts to return from abroad and submit details about the reasons for the act.

“Whatever the court would decide, we would respect it,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the government had allocated Rs 50 billion for the uplift of displaced people of Malakand division.

Gilani said his resolve was to protect the institution rather than strengthening his own office.

The Prime Minister recalled that the government earlier introduced Nizam-e- Adl ordinance in Swat in accordance with the aspirations of local people, after it was approved by the President.

However, he said when the writ of the government was challenged and with growing reports of the incidents of killings of innocent people and desecration of sacred places, the government decided to undergo military action.

He acknowledged the sacrifices of the armymen who laid their lives for the security of country and said a monument would be built to commemorate their great services.

The Prime Minister also mentioned the sacrifices of Internally Displaced Persons who left their homes for the betterment of country’s future.

He appreciated the provincial government, NADRA and Special Support Group  for amicably dealing with the issue of displaced persons and providing them every possible facility.

Gilani said Opposition’s positive approach developed a sense of realization among the masses, adding that media also played an important role in highlighting the issue.