Islamabad, June 16 (IANS): Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Monday said the government's decision to initiate a full-scale operation in North Waziristan tribal region was justified.
He said during a speech delivered in the National Assembly Monday that the operation would continue until terrorism is eliminated from the country, Dawn online reported.
Sharif added that the government had tried to pursue peace talks but it was unfortunate that after four and a half months of dialogue the talks could not be fruitful.
He said the world knew that "on one hand we were pursuing dialogue, and on the other we were being targeted. We were pursuing talks, but from Islamabad courts to Karachi airport we were attacked".
"Our places of worship and mosques were targeted, our schools were targeted. We will change the fate of this country and under no circumstances will the country be allowed to serve as a safe haven for terrorists," he said.
Sharif said all important decisions were taken after discussing with civilian and military leadership, the report said.
"Despite the sacrifices of our soldiers, we gave peace talks first priority but our efforts were rendered in vain. This operation will be the start of a peaceful beginning of the country," he added.