MINGORA: Chief of the Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has called for a collective response by all organs of the state to terrorism and extremism.

In his key-note address at a seminar on ‘de-radicalisation’ here on Wednesday, he said: “No single organ of the state is configured to mount a wholesome response to the challenges confronting national security.”

He asked for expanding army’s initiative of de-radicalisation. “We have taken the first step here in Swat by initiating a de-radicalisation programme, it needs support and initiative of the society, intellectuals and policy-makers to take the lead and put into effect a counter-radicalisation construct, not only to sustain the de-radicalisation effort, but also to assure a free and progressive future for Pakistan.”

APP adds: Gen Kayani said Pakistan Army, being a national army, derived its strength from the people of Pakistan and was answerable to the people and their representatives in parliament.

“Accordingly, Pakistan Army considers people’s support vital for its operations against terrorists, and believes that only thepeople of Pakistan can determine the national interest and army’s role in their achievement”.

He said that Pakistan’s commitment to war against Al Qaeda and its affiliates was total and unwavering as it firmly believed in taking stern action against all terrorist groups.

The army was determined to lead the fight on terror in partnership with other law-enforcement agencies and in line with the Constitution, he added.

The Army Chief reiterated that there was no military solution to terrorism since military strategy could only provide an enabling environment. The menace had to be tackled in the domain of national security which warranted a comprehensiveresponse entailing synergy by all elements of national power, he added.