ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP): Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar on Friday said the government acted against Jamaat-ud-Dawah in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolution in order to prevent the country from being declared a terrorist state. “We are part of the international community and cannot afford confrontation with the whole world,” he told the media persons after receiving pilgrims who arrived on the first post-Hajj flight at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport.

Appreciating President Asif Ali Zardari’s acumen for handling the issue in an effective manner he said, “Peace is always the best solution to all the problems.”

He said, “Such a situation does not arise every day and it is responsibility of the government to handle it properly.”

The Minister said wars are not solutions to problems, adding that the nation is still paying price of the wars of 1965, 1971 and the Afghan war.

About defence preparations in the wake of external threats, the Minister said the armed forces are fully capable to defend the homeland. “We are not afraid of anyone but want to live with peace.”

Responding to a question, he said the US officials who recently visited Pakistan have expressed satisfaction over the government’s efforts for maintaining peace in the region.

“War on terror is our own war and in the interest of the country,” Ahmed Mukhtar reiterated.

He said any person or organization found trying to de-stabilize the country would be tackled with iron hands.

Commenting on the performance of PIA during Hajj flight operation, he said the operation of national flag carrier has been very successful.

“For the first time the entire fleet of PIA was utilized during the Hajj flight operation,” he added.

He felicitated the entire staff of PIA and expressed the confidence that soon the it would become a profitable organization.