Huddle mulls over anti-terror policy

Meeting attended by PTI, JI, JUI-F leaders

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PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has stressed unity among all stakeholders as he led a meeting to chalk out a national policy to combat terrorism.

A consultative meeting titled National Unity Against Terrorism was hosted by Gandapur at the K-P House in Islamabad on Monday. The meeting was attended by representatives from various political and religious parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen, Tehreek Minhaj-ul-Quran, Islamic Tehreek, Central Ulema Council, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, and others.

Prominent leaders present at the meeting included Barrister Gohar, Asad Qaiser, Muhammad Ali Durrani, Professor Ibrahim, Liaqat Baloch, Sahibzada Abu-al-Khair Muhammad Zubair, Syed Nasir Abbas Shirazi, Allama Arif Hussain Wahidi, and Sahibzada Zahid Mehmood Qasmi, among others.

Addressing the participants, Chief Minister Gandapur stated that the meeting was convened on the directive of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan with the aim to have consultation on creating a comprehensive national policy to combat terrorism, sectarianism, ethnic division, and lawlessness, ensuring the rule of law across the country.

The chief minister thanked all participants, emphasising the urgent need for national unity in light of the challenges facing Pakistan. "Due to past policy failures, the country is now grappling with terrorism, sectarianism, ethnic division, and lawlessness," he said", adding that it is time to think about the kind of country we want to leave for future generations.

"If we aim to leave a better Pakistan, we must formulate and implement a robust policy against terrorism, sectarianism, and other divisive issues."

He further highlighted the role of religious scholars in fostering unity and countering sectarianism stating that any effort against terrorism cannot succeed without public support whereas the role of religious scholars is crucial in ending sectarianism, and political and religious parties must rise above political affiliations to ensure the supremacy of law.

The chief minister also praised the efforts of Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif and Muhammad Ali Durrani in bringing together such a diverse group of leaders.

He expressed hope that this meeting would lay the foundation for lasting peace and national unity. He said that the proposals shared during this meeting will shape the way forward; and a committee will be formed to ensure their implementation, followed by a follow-up session to be held soon in Peshawar, with an aim to involve more stakeholders.

Regarding Afghanistan, Gandapur reiterated his stance that dialogue is the only solution to resolving issues with the neighbouring country. He also revealed plans to send a delegation to Afghanistan, comprising representatives from various sectors.

Participants of the meeting commended the chief minister for his initiative, describing it as a significant step toward addressing national challenges. They urged other provincial and federal governments to follow suit. Tackling terrorism, sectarianism, ethnic prejudice, and lawlessness requires a united national front, they noted.

The session concluded with a joint declaration, and participants emphasissd the need for continuity in such consultations to achieve sustainable peace and national integration.