Adamant Imran demands no drones during peace talks

PTI Chairman calls on federal government to ask US not to sabotage the peace process with attacks.


Ferya Ilyas November 10, 2013
A screengrab showing Imran Khan during the press conference.

NOWSHERA: The federal government should ask the United States (US) for assurance that they will not conduct drone strikes during peace talks with the militants, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said on Sunday.

Imran was addressing a press conference in Nowshera.

Speaking about his party’s decision to block Nato supply lines, Imran said the move is not an act of conflict but a way to protest against the US drone attack which sabotaged the peace process.

“The US killed Hakimullah Mehsud because he had targeted US citizens but are negotiating with Afghan Taliban who have killed far more Americans,” Imran stated, emphasising what he considers as the flawed logic of the US government.

He further said that a friend would never damage the peace process the way the US did.

The PTI chief also criticised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for not responding to this appropriately. “It’s time Nawaz starts spending time in Pakistan; why is he touring foreign countries?” Imran questioned, adding that no one would invest in a country where there was no law and order.

He said Nawaz should have concentrated on ending terrorism more than worrying about foreign investment, and that the prime minister should have led the dialogue process himself.

Corrupt ministers

Responding to a query about certain Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa lawmakers involved in corruption, Imran said all ministers are closely monitored and action will be taken against those involved in illegal practices.

He informed the media that the provincial accountability bill was recently passed and a working body based on the law will take care of such incidents.

Imran added that his party stands by its manifesto which calls for zero tolerance against corrupt officials.

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COMMENTS (54)

True Karachiwala | 10 years ago | Reply

He can make this foolish demand as he is not in central government. Dr. Shirin Mazari can give him better advice on matters like this, if he is ready to lend an ear to her.

Adnan Siddiqi | 10 years ago | Reply

@Aschraful Makhlooq:

As long as we have animals, thugs, bandits and barbarians operating with impunity in FATA, drone attacks will continue and for all the right reasons. Shooting down a drone might be easy but you forgot to enlighten on what would happen next? Our economy is teetering on the brink of collapse and our armed forces are already in the midst of feeling the biggest pinch since 1990s when Symington and Pressler Amendments were invoked by US Congress and Senate. Our war machine would be stranded inside its staging areas devoid of fuel and spare parts.

As much as I am a supporter of PML-N and NS, I feel that it is a big mistake on part of the government to cajole the terrorists for negotiations. These paid fanatics and hired guns are out to eradicate our very existence as a nation and the state should declare an all out war against such an existential threat.

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