Stark realities: Military brass to brief new PM on security challenges

COAS and military leadership to give input on plans for talks with TTP.

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Army’s top brass, among them intelligence chiefs, will soon brief the new government on key national security issues, including prospects of peace talks with Taliban insurgents. The high-powered briefing is expected to take place within the next few days, The Express Tribune has learnt.

Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani conveyed his willingness to brief the new government on major security challenges in a meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday.

Gen Kayani was among the first officials to meet the new premier soon after he took the oath of office at the Presidency, underlining the importance of civil-military relations.



The crucial briefing will take place at the Prime Minister Office where Gen Kayani, along with the director general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), head of the Military Intelligence and the director general of Military Operations will apprise the new political leadership of the security challenges.

Sources said the security establishment will formally give its input on Premier Nawaz Sharif’s plans to initiate peace talks with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in an effort to put end to years of bloodshed in the country.

Although, the TTP has rescinded its talks offer following the killing of its chief military strategist Waliur Rehman in a recent US drone attack, the PML-N government will still try to give peace a chance, said a senior PML-N leader requesting anonymity.



In his maiden address to Parliament, Nawaz did not make any statement on proposed peace talks with the Taliban, indicating the sensitive nature of the issue. However, the PML-N leader pointed out that Nawaz would make a policy statement on the subject after in-depth consultation with all stakeholders.

“He (Nawaz Sharif) will make important announcements soon in his address to the nation,” the PML-N leader disclosed.

It is believed that the security establishment has reservations over initiating peace talks with the Taliban. The reservations stem from the track record of the militant group, which used past peace agreements to regroup.

The issue of drone attacks in the tribal regions will also figure prominently in the briefing. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is seeking an end to the CIA-led campaign. The military leadership will share their perspective regarding finding a solution to the controversial programme.

Another subject that is expected to be at the heart of discussions will be Pakistan’s role in the Afghan endgame.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 6^th, 2013.