ISLAMABAD: Declaring that he had no other option but to order "stern action" against Taliban, Pakistan Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani today sought to take into confidence major political parties on the military offensive in the NWFP, as Army chief Ashfaq Kayani briefed lawmakers on the ongoing operations.
Kayani briefed leaders of political parties, including former premier and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, on anti-militancy operations during an in-camera meeting chaired by Gilani.
Gilani said the government had no option but to call in the armed forces to "take stern action" against militants as it had exhausted all political and peaceful means to tackle the situation.
In his opening remarks, he said Pakistan was "at the crossroads of its history" as "militants have threatened the very fabric of our society by trying to impose their will through coercive measures." Gilani said the meeting was aimed at taking the political leadership into confidence and answer their questions on the necessity of army action in Swat and the issue of IDPs.
Input given by political leaders will be incorporated in national security policy to deal with the situation, he added.