Gen Kiyani asks army to minimize civilian casualties in northwest Pakistan

By Farzana Shah-Asian Tribune Correspondent in Pakistan

Islamabad,14 May, (Asiantribune.com): Pakistani Army chiefPakistani Army chief General Ashfaq Kayani General Ashfaq Kayani Wednesday ordered troops to minimize civilian casualties even if they had to take risks while battling militants in the northwest.

A statement issued by ISPR says the general has instructed the army to ensure minimum collateral damage even at the expense of taking risks, by resorting to precision strikes.

The statement said Pakistan Army is acutely aware of the nature of ongoing operations in Swat and elsewhere, and their likely fallouts.

Consequent to any military operation in populated areas, collateral damage and IDP issues are always a natural outcome. In fact the overall success of operations in such areas is a sum total of the three efforts i.e conducts of military operations, minimizing collateral damage and correctly managing IDPs.

COAS said that management of IDPs is as important as military operation in Swat. It has been decided to provide all out support to Government and International Agencies in the management and rehabilitation of IDPs.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians have fled Swat valley, due to ongoing militancy and operation by the military. Up to 15,000 security forces are battling against about 4,000 well-armed militants in Swat to eliminate the Islamist militants.

So far overall 751 militants and 29 troops have been killed in operations in Lower Dir, Buner and Swat since the offensive has started on May 8th.

Over 1100,000 people have migrated from troubled areas to safer places.

Majority of them have been sheltered in camps for IDPs in Mardan, Nowshera, Swabi and Peshawar. The IDPs are facing many problems and the government is unable to provide adequate facilities at these camps. The Pakistani prime minister on Tuesday called donors for financial help for IDPs.

- Asian Tribune -