Force to be used as last resort, says Kayani

Chief of Army General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said that terrorism was not only against the ideology of Pakistan but also contradictory to Islamic teachings. — File Photo

KAKUL: Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said on Saturday that 'use of force' against militancy was the last option although the Pakistan Army was capable of delivering a befitting response if required, DawnNews reported.

Addressing the attendees of passing out parade ceremony of the Pakistan Military Academy's 128th long course, Kayani said that terrorism was a great challenge for the country and that Pakistan was going through tough times adding that terrorism was not only against the ideology of Pakistan but also contradictory to Islamic teachings.

He further said that the country's leadership had chosen the option of negotiations for resolving the issue of militancy and that the Pakistan Army fully backed the process.

Kayani said that any solution sought to the issue should be in accordance with the Constitution of Pakistan. He said that, as the process of peace talks progresses, these parameters would become become more evident.

The most vital aspect of the process is to unite the nation instead of dividing it, he said.