Pakistan

War on terror: PPP to support PML-N to bring peace, says Rehman Malik

Admits drone attacks increased during PPP government’s tenure.

Our Correspondent May 26, 2013

During the PPP’s term in power, the Taliban had asked for Nawaz Sharif to be a guarantor to enter into peace talks, says Former interior minister. PHOTO: PID/FILE

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) will reciprocate support for the incoming Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government in the war on terror, just as it did for the former when they were in power.

Former interior minister Rehman Malik said this on Saturday after reaching Benazir Bhutto International Airport from London.

He said that during the PPP’s term in power, the Taliban had asked for Nawaz Sharif to be a guarantor to enter into peace talks. “Now it is time to see how he tackles them while negotiating a peace deal”.

He admitted that drone attacks in the war-torn tribal areas increased when the PPP-led government was in power, and also raised an interesting point on airspace ‘violations’.

“At a security briefing, an air defence official said the PAF, if allowed, was capable of bringing down drones. Let’s see what stance the new government adopts on the issue,” he said.

He denied that his name had been put on the exit control list (ECL) and added that he is not going anywhere and intends to remain in Pakistan.

“I will live in Pakistan and do my business here,” he said.

He said that in 1990, the PPP had to face one IJI — referring to the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad, a military-backed alliance of right-wing political parties — but in recent elections it had to confront “double IJIs” in the form of terror attacks.

He said that the nation would not forgive the chief election commissioner if he failed to tackle allegations of rigging in different electoral constituencies across the country.

While talking about his meeting with Altaf Hussain in London, he said that both the parties have agreed to work together. “I am going to convey Hussain’s message to President Asif Ali Zardari,” he said.

When asked about corruption allegations he had levelled against Nawaz Sharif, he replied, “Raat Gayi, Baat Gayi” (let bygones be bygones).

Published in The Express Tribune, May 27^th, 2013.