K-P govt ‘to take first bullet’ for Swat peace

News circulating on social media that some areas would be handed over to TTP said to be 'mere propaganda'

SWAT:

Finally responding to heavy criticism for his recent pro-Taliban statements, Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif has said that no compromise will be made on peace in Swat.

“The chief minister has said that the provincial government would take the first bullet for peace in Swat,” he added.

Addressing a press conference at Swat Press Club on Wednesday, he said that Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has been himself looking after the affairs in Swat – his home district.

“Peace talks have been initiated to end terrorism. These talks were disrupted due to terrorism incidents,” he noted, saying that the negotiations were being held within the framework of the Constitution and law and no agreement has been reached so far.

On social media an impression has been created that some areas would be handed over to TTP, which is mere propaganda, he noted.

Saif said that the final decision will be taken by parliament, adding that Amir Muqam was also a member of the negotiation committee and there is no deal with TTP.

Maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the provincial government while negotiations are being done by the federal government. “I am the representative of the state in these negotiations,” he said.

Those people who are out to protest for peace in Swat, we are with them and we are very happy that they are doing it but some political opportunists are using these protests for their own benefit, he observed.

Saif accused the federal agencies including FIA, IB and PTA of not cooperating with the provincial government as data of extortion calls is not shared with the province for months.

“Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) doesn’t want an end to militancy for political point scoring. Chief minister himself is looking after the Swat case and I am his spokesperson. My statement is his statement,” he said, adding that chief minister holds meeting every second day on Swat.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, October 20^th, 2022.