ATTOCK, Jan 31: Federal Minister for Defence Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar on Saturday said that the armed forces were fully capable of safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He was talking to newsmen at the residence of senior PPP leader Malik Hakmeen Khan during his visit. MPA Malik Shahan Khan and former state minister Malik Amin Aslam were also present on the occasion.

The minister said the armed forces enjoyed complete support of the nation and if Pakistan was attacked people would stand like rock along the army. He said that the people were with the government at this crucial juncture.

He said the writ of the government had been established at Bajaur and Waziristan and the tension in Swat would soon be overcome. He said government was in favour of restoring peace through dialogue but the militants took this gesture as weakness of the government.

Replying to a question he said Britain acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts aimed at lowering tension with India.

Earlier addressing the party meeting, the minister urged the workers to resolve people’s problems and improve the party image among the masses. He said that president Asif Ali Zardari was symbol of provincial autonomy and federation. He regretted some forces in Punjab were instigating the people against the government. But he made it clear that issues did not resolve on the road but through dialogue and patience.

He said that PPP could have formed government in Punjab after February 18 election as it was just 20 seats short of the required votes but Mr Zardari decided against it and allowed the PML-N to form government in the Punjab.

He said that it was not possible to provide job to every unemployed person but assured that he would do his best to create some jobs in the cantonments and other fields for the unemployed people of Attock.

He said first year of the government was very crucial for the PPP government as it had inherited a lot of problems like loadshedding and energy crisis from the past regime. He however said the situation would improve within next few years.

He appreciated the 40-year-long association of the founder PPP member Malik Hakmeen Khan and said such leaders were asset for the party.

The gathering was also addressed by PPP leader Malik Hakmeen Khan and MPA Shahan Malik.

Later the Minister attended an open meeting where PPP workers and other people lodged a number of complaints about civic and other problems.