Ex-envoys for political solution to Swat conflict

[Naveed Yaseen]

The growing concerns amidst humanitarian consequences of the military operation against Taliban has brought strong condemnation from the Association of Former Ambassadors, who demanded a political settlement of the problem.

In a statement sent to The News its current President Ambassador ® Sher Afghan Khan strongly condemned massive human rights violations in Malakand Division and Fata and expressed deep concern over the grave situation of the IDPs as a result of the military operation. He also showed worry over the civilians caught in the fighting who had been left without necessities of life and were unable to escape to safety.

The association, which consists of former career ambassadors of Pakistan, presently has a membership of 49.

“This grave human tragedy, which is the most serious man-made humanitarian crisis in the history of the country, calls for urgent action by the government and people of Pakistan and by the international community to provide shelter, food, medical care and other relief supplies and services to the affected persons,” the ambassadors stated.

The former ambassadors have made a modest donation to alleviate the widespread sufferings and miseries being faced by the affected population.

The association is concerned over reports, in particular a recent statement by the president that military action is being considered to be launched in North and South Waziristan.

“We urge the government to promote political settlement in accordance with the tribal customs and traditions with the participation of local tribal elders in dealing with militancy,” they pointed out.

They also called upon the security forces to exercise utmost care to ensure that the civilian population was protected and that casualties and damage to property were avoided. The government should also provide full and immediate compensation to the innocent victims of the operation.

The association called upon the government to provide adequate resources and assistance for reconstruction and rehabilitation of the displaced.

The association strongly condemned the continuing attacks by United States drones on Pakistan territory, which were in flagrant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and had resulted in a large number of casualties among innocent civilians, including women and children, as well as damage to houses, buildings and other property. The association called for an immediate halt to these attacks and urged the government to demand full and immediate compensation from the US government for the victims.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=179099