President informs Centcom chief of anti-extremism steps in Fata

President General Pervez Musharraf on Saturday informed the visiting Chief of US Central Command (Centcom) about 'the comprehensive steps which have been taken to curb the spread of extremism and terrorism in Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (Fata)'.
"These include political and administrative measures, coupled with a number of socio-economic initiatives in order to wean away people from the path of extremism," an army statement quoted President Musharraf as telling Admiral William J Fallon in a meeting.
Admiral Fallon, Commander-in-Chief, US Central Command, currently on a three-day official visit to Pakistan, called on President General Pervez Musharraf in Rawalpindi. The President gave an overview of the measures which have been taken by Pakistan Government and Pakistan Armed Forces for improving the security situation along Pak-Afghan border, the ISPR statement said.
The President, according to the statement, said that a vast majority of the people residing in Fata are moderate and peace-loving people and supportive of the measures being taken to further strengthen them so that they can stand up against terrorist and extremist elements.
During the call, views were exchanged on the prevailing regional security environment, with particular reference to Afghanistan and the ongoing war against terrorism and extremism, the statement said.
The Commander-in-Chief of US Central Command expressed deep appreciation of US and coalition forces regarding the excellent co-operation of Pakistan Armed Forces with regard to operations against international terrorism, it added. He termed the meetings with senior leadership of Pakistan Armed Forces as excellent, the statement said.
Musharraf wished Admiral Fallon a pleasant and professionally rewarding stay in Pakistan. US Charge d'Affaires Peter Bodde, Chief of Staff to President Lieutenant General Hamid Javid, Director-General, Joint Staff, Lieutenant General Syed Athar Ali, and other senior officials were present during the meeting.
Meanwhile, the Commander US Central Command also called on General Ehsan Ul Haq, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, here at Joint Staff Headquarters. The Admiral held talks with CJCSC on matters of mutual interest.