Combating terrorism: Guns, talks can't go hand in hand, says Asfandyar Wali

ANP will negotiate with those who acknowledge the state.

PESHAWAR: Awami National Party (ANP) chief Asfandyar Wali has said that his party will negotiate with those who acknowledge the state and are ready to talk.

Wali was speaking at a press conference in Peshawar in relation to ANP leader Bashir Ahmed Bilour who was killed in a suicide attack.

Emphasising his willingness to talk to forces that agree to shun violence, Wali said that the ANP will be forced to call for action against violent elements.

“If we want to save democracy, we need to devise a policy against terrorism,” Wali stressed.

Speaking about the urgency for such action, the ANP chief said people of Pakistan need to unite against the terrorists and play their role.

He further added that the fight against terrorism is not one party’s fight and that everyone should come forward and work out a strategy for this purpose.

Praising the media for its coverage of recent events, Wali said the fight against terrorists cannot be fought without media’s help.