K-P Assembly session: Consensus on terrorism still a long way to go

Mian Iftikhar says no place is beyond the reach of terrorists.

PESHAWAR: Political parties’ diverging views on terrorism were most apparent on Friday when Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain reiterated the need to shun terrorism while JUI-F lawmaker Mufti Kifyatullah showered praises on Taliban commander Mullah Nazir, who was killed in a drone strike on Thursday.

Interestingly, Mufti Kifyatullah’s eulogy for Mullah Nazir came right after his  condolence message for slain Awami National Party (ANP) leader Bashir Ahmad Bilour, who was killed in a suicide attack last month.

Speaking at the floor of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly, he said: “Those who do not attack Pakistani forces are killed, while those attacking Pakistani forces are roaming free,” adding that the government should engage in talks with militants.

Mian Iftikhar, on the other hand, said the federal government needs to put all issues aside and prioritise the worsening law and order in the country.

The ANP minister said there is no place left beyond the reach of terrorists. “They reach wherever they have to, although security agencies are fighting against them,” Mian said.

He added that the ANP is trying to get all political parties onboard to develop a single agenda over terrorism. Political parties will speak to the president, prime minister and the army chief after forging a consensus over the matter. Political groups should settle who they should start talks with and on what grounds, he said. “We need urgent steps to control terrorism.”

Mian Iftikhar said that if there could be talks in Afghanistan, then there could be negotiations in Pakistan too. “But if the problem is not resolved by talks, then strict action should be taken.”

Lawmakers also called for the removal of Swat varsity’s vice-chancellor.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 5^th, 2013.