Khattak says the government is neither talking to the TTP nor putting an end to drone strikes. PHOTO: APP/FILE
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief Minister Pervez Khattak told the media on Saturday evening that they were tired of picking up bodies, whether they are of victims of terror or of drone strikes and that if the government does not take decisive steps to stop both they may take unilateral steps, including stopping the Nato supply through Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
“If they [government] do not want to talk [with Taliban] and we keep picking up the bodies, and they [US] continue drone strikes, we will take a final step.”
Khattak added that if the federal government fails to stop the drone strikes “we will consider the option of stopping Nato supplies.”
PTI, which occupies the opposition benches in the National Assembly, has repeatedly called on the government to implement the decision arrived at in September’s All Parties Conference to hold talks with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
It has also pushed the government on the subject of drone strikes which it claims has threatened talks with the TTP.
Pakistan says violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as being counter productive.
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@Rex Minor: Dear Rex Minor, I have to disagree with you somewhat. I am not a military expert, but without feeling proud of the Pakistan air force do feel that it has capabilities many other countries would wish to have. For example, it has kept the Indian air force, which is not insignificant in terms of capability, under control. It now has Chinese J20 aircraft, which are very good, GPS Jammers, and most probably other significant equipment I am not aware of. I think, at the very least that any military body which attacked Pakistan would be given a decidedly unpleasant experience. If the Pakistan air force was given the go ahead to attack drones it is my feeling that the US would find some place other than Pakistan to send its drones
@Sexton Blake: @The Failed Rebel:
I know the capability of the F16's but very much doubt the ability of the Pakistan pilots, who are too slow to react. Pakistan needs patriot missiles which react automaticaly or the chinese equivalent which the Turkish Government has opted for. Besides Pakistn does not have a National army but a very independent military. Self reiance and not reliance on foreign help. America is a super power and has a total control of the skies and the digital communication channels in most democracies of the world. This subject is currently being addressed by the European as well as several latin countries.
I am a bit inquisitive about the drones which have apparently become Mount Everest for the Pakistanis who study science subjects, have private flying clubs and do para gliding and continue to tolerate the deaths of innocent women and childrens in the tribal territories with impunity. Drone is a queer animal, the ww2 technology, I therefore wonder if any hobby flyer or a para glider in Pakistan has ever sighted or tried to intercept the beast? I guess the one which landed in the Iranian territory was brought down by the IT hecker!
Rex Minor
@Rex Minor: Dear Rex Minor, The Failed Rebel, We are in basic agreement and my apologies if I gave the wrong impression. I was merely trying to explain that the Pakistan air force was OK, but that there is a lack of will on the Government's part to bring down drones. I cannot think of one other country that would allow a foreign power to drop bombs on its territory, which kill innocent people, with absolute impunity. Obviously, it would not be difficult to bring drones down. Iran established that years ago. The big problem is that most countries such as UK/Australia/Pakistan etc are puppets and allow the US to carry out legally doubtful activities. My view is that if Pakistan brought down two or three drones the US would accept that the drone campaign was over. After all, the US has made it quite clear that they do not approve of unauthorized missiles crashing into their buildings. I think the worst thing that could happen is that one or two extreme right wing Congressmen may suffer from an apoplectic seizure and threaten to cut off aid, but would then get over it.
@Sexton Blake: You are overstating our capabilities. @Rex Minor: You are understating.
By whatever means necessary close deployment of radars can give us accurate marks of the drones. Our F16 etc. can put down drones, also remember that the F16s now have the capability to lock at a very high distance.
Secondly, you rule out other alternatives to stopping drones. One idea I was considering is that Pakistan can ask China for assistance or ask them to donate anti-drone technology. Another alternative can be to increase Chinese presence there. Start development projects close to border, extension of Silk Route if you may. USA cannot dare to antagonize China, after that all the foreign agencies will do is to fund the local radicals more and try to give them equipment to sabotage the development projects. . What do you guys think about it?
@Sexton Blake: Let me clarify, I have no intention to put down on Pakistan(your words not mine, whatever they mean).. Let me repeat, Pakistan air force has shown more than once that it is not able to prevent foreign intrusions in Pakistn air space. With regard to unmanned drones they do not use the earth shaking technology and can be brought down by any hobby flyer or even a para glider since they are a nuissance and according to France 24 TV channel, traumatising women and children at night.
Rex Minor
@Rex Minor: Dear Rex Minor, I know many people like to do putdowns on Pakistan, but make no mistake. The Pakistan air force is extremely well trained, and well equipped. They know where the drones are coming from, and they know within a few kilometers where the drones are going to. It would not be difficult for Pakistan to control the movement of drones. Even the British with very old fashioned equipment, by today's standards, could identify when and where extremely fast aircraft were approaching well over 70 years ago.
Do you really think a party with leadership like Imran Khan, Asad Umer and Jawed Hashmi will collectively work for welfare of taliban ? ... Common guys be realistic ? Whats you IQ level btw ?
@Sandip: Dear Sandip, I think your missive was excellent, but the big problem the way I see it is that we have to get the Taliban and the Americans playing cricket. We know from experience that playing cricket at the top level is akin to warfare, but at least they do not kill each other. Therefore, forget opening a Taliban office in Lahore or wherever. Just build American/Taliban cricket clubs. If the Americans have the ability to learn cricket it may just work, particularly if we allow them to fudge the rules as usual.
@Ch. Allah Daad: shame on you
During his furious election campaign in early2013, Lifetime Chairman PTI had committed that "he will block NATO routes in case drone attacks are not stopped...." What a joke that these jokers are still giving statements like Sultan Rahi even after being more than 120 days in government. Thanks ET, for sharing this joke!!
@Sandip: The fourth type you forgot, they just do it!
Rex Minor
@The Failed Rebel: The rulers cannot since the air force cannot protect the complete air space; but the people can if they have the initiative and the interest to improvise and pioneer for the adventure..
Rex Minor
@csmann: The Pakistanis and the Afghans are between a rock and a hard place. If NATO does not kill them the Taliban will pick up what is left.
PTI not much different than their buddies the Taliban - doesn't matter what others have to say even if it's the elected leader of the Nation.
There are 3 types of people in this world- first type are those who think before they act and thus foresee the consequences of their act, second type are those who think after they act and thus only learn the consequences after they have experienced them and the third type are those who never think and keep repeating the same mistakes, no matter what the consequences are. PTI leaders either belong to the second or the third category. Unfortunately, that's not the type of leaders that Pakistan needs. However if PTI has to do it, let them stop the supply and see firsthand what the consequences can and will be.
What will you stop when the TTP is killing citizens daily?
@Rex Minor: One needs a spine to take down drones and take on USA. Our current rulers do not have that, and neither will they. Shame on the slaves who votes for slaves, who will drive my people further down foreign deficit. Their lack of vision is costing my nation its soul.
Please go ahead. You have our support.
While the unopposed use of drones in the Yamanese territory is understandable, who would have thought that in a country of 180 million, there would be none with the initiative to bring down the unmanned machines. The ww2 tiger moth or a paraglider is able to render them useless!
Rex Minor
@SH:
The guy is not stupid; KPK is on the verge of separating from Pakistan with the declaration of indepenence.
Rex Minor
@The Failed Rebel:
KPK chief minister has said nothing more than what is likely to occur in any event! No one but the Taliban control the Jalalala- Peshawar highay!!
Rex Minor
anyhow American will stop drone attack due to world opposition....and PTI want to take credit for it
Drone strikes are carried by NATO forces technically ( and not by USA . Though USA is the main force in NATO.) And NATO also has the approval of UNO to be there in Afghanistan to fight terrorists. where Pakistan has no writ ( a no go area for Pakistani officials as well as the army) The law / rule of Pakistan does not hold good there. The world at large is constrained to assume the North Waziristan a safe heaven for terrorists which have striked the interests of western countries including USA... No country can allow their soil to be used for cross border terror activities . If it is not stopped by Pakistan ( claiming its sovereignty on the area) NATO is well within their legal international right to protect their interests including drone strikes. Mr. CM the statement is a political one as PTI alone can not stop the Nato supplies unless supported by the Federal government. If PML- N government dares to stop NATO supplies they may face the risk of economic boycott of Pakistan by the West and its allies and Pakistan is not in such a position to confront. Hollow patriotism without wisdom will cause disaster and is well understood as to where lies the national interest of Pakistan.
To all the cult worshiping sheep herd followers and MQM followers (@Karachi wala) - quit ganging up on @Ch. Allah Daad. I challenge this malnourished CM of KPK to cut off the umbilical cord tied with Banigala and then say something on his own. Forget about cutting off the NATO supply line, this comedian government comprising of confused burgers and retrogressive Jamatis will not even tax the NATO logistics passing through KPK.
@Karachi Wala:
Talking about serenity in Pakistan sounds like an oxymoron especially from someone whose "Party" has decimated the serenity, peace and tranquility of Pakistan in Karachi.
Awwwwww.....the CM has finally decided to grow a spine in his frail body! Too bad that Pasha and IK's ISI handlers are not around anymore otherwise such statements would have some a long time ago.
The drone strikes are not giving US/NATO forces any tactical or strategic advantage whatsoever. However, they allow the US Government to give the impression they are doing something important. Drone strikes also hide the fact that US/NATO troops can cower in their bases whilst mainly innocent people on the outside are getting killed. Everybody knows that drone strikes can be easily stopped, but the Pakistani Government chooses not to do anything about it.
The paranoid CM who is encircled by the Talibans with garlands of bombs in their hands, is begging for talks and stoppage of NATO supplies. Rather than this abject surrender, why not he hand over the province to TTP and move to a safer place ?
@truth: Shame on you. You are the real bluff. PTI does not change its stance. IK and his team do not have any difference between what they say and what they do.
well done PTI actions speaks louder than words block them
All is the greatest game against Pashtuns for decades…..Using Pashtuns against Pushtuns at all fronts…..by the name war on terror, national security and writ of the government or Taliban…….. In Balochistan Pashtun are victims, Afghanistan Pashtuns, KPK Pashtuns, FATA Pashtuns, Swat Pashtun, Karachi Pashtuns….FC Pashtuns….Police Pashtuns…Taliban Pashtuns……World politicians using Pashtuns, agencies using Pashtun, Local politicians using Pashtuns……wake up Pashtuns before no Pashtun to be alive. Pakistan with US using double game and fake and propaganda war on terror, media to safeguard each allied or so called allied mutual interests beyond boundaries, working on mutual agenda and surreptitious compromises.
So let me get this straight, according to these politicians, Pakistan's terrorism problem will disappear overnight if drone strikes stop? They want you to believe the only motivating factor of these terrorist organizations is blow back for drone strikes? What a convenient way of dealing with a complex issue. I don't even believe the military establishment believes such non sense which is why they are reluctant to make concessions. These militants aren't killing innocent civilians because there are drone strikes.
They are doing it for money, territory, control, power through criminality. Drone strikes are a result of that criminal conduct, not the other way around. And it is extremely, beyond belief, irresponsible for politicians to simply blame Americans for both their domestic and foreign policies that have led to the current problems with security.
It seems as though when you use terrorist organizations as policy assets, eventually you are forced to adopt their interests. The future will not be a bright one for Pakistan if it allows the country to continue to be taken down this road by stubborn policy makers in the military that seem impartial to economic growth and the welfare of the people.
Will consider stopping NATO supplies............ why not just stop NATO supplies.
Hilarious. US will just use Northern Distribution network like it did after Salala incident.
@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui: When the supply routes were stopped for 8 months after Salala, did the drones stop?
Pakistan's forex reserves are precariously low and it needs CSF. But sure go ahead, flex your muscles and block supply routes. You will find out soon enough that US does not submit to blackmail. Be prepared though that the next time Imran tries to go to US for fund raising, he won't have such good luck at the immigration counter.
PTI is just passing time with such statements. Good tactics of completing 5 years
Is Pervez Khattak at all educated? The more he says, the more stupid he sounds. His government doesn't seem to understand the concept of Federality and how foreign policy isn't the realm of a Provincial government. Blocking supplies without the Federal government's agreement would likely be illegal. Plus, PTI is sounding more and more overtly pro-Taliban, no longer closet-mullahs eh?
Will PTI ask the Talibans or the federal govt to assist them blocking the NATO supply routes?
I dare you!
Drones may be good against TTP but such acts can never be allowed by a soverign state. Ideally Federal govt should have and should take this step but if provincial government is taking it, hats off to them. There is no wonder we need to clear up this TTp menace but not by American drones.
What is he waiting for? For 2014 so the strikes end themselves after American withdrawal.
What jokes!
This guy and his boss are always so concerned about the welfare of Taliban and would go to any length to support them.
Just do it then. Do you think the US needs anyones permission to do as it pleases?
A helping hand for taliban !
PTI has formally joined the TTP and by stopping supplies shows their soft corner against these barbaric inhumane murdered.
Here is PTI's great statement which came after a very long time.
This is a timely and good judgement.
The PM is on a weak wicket, therefore, he cannot take decision as how to stop drones.
It is a national matter and I am glad to see that this time PTI has come up with flying colors.
If PTI will stop the NATO supplies, the US will also come under pressure and will stop drone strikes on Pakistan forthwith, or before the repatriation of US Army from Afghanistan in 2014.
The results of the next election will come up in favour of any political party which will bring Aafia Siddiqui back from US, without exchanging with Dr. Shakeel Afridi.
Please go ahead with your plans.
The entire Pakistani nation is standing behind Imran Khan and PTI.
Good luck PTI. God bless you. Ameen.
Just be man enough and stand by your words Mr CM... I bet you bluffing!!!!!!!!
Sir just thr eating won't work. You need to put words to action. We the PTI supporters voted you for action.
It is not possible to stop the NATO supplies (unless they occur without convoys), without the federal government and military coming on board.
The current spineless government is a slave to the Coalition Forces if anything. The elite politicians will never risk Pakistan under any sanctions which will risk all their black money abroad frozen and their local monopolies destroyed.
It is brave enough for CM to issue such a statement, and I predict soon some consequences will appear to his personal life, one way or the other. Nevertheless, bravery is a better option than slavery. If our government denies US alignment, my people should be ready to stand up on their own feet and drag this country out of tough times with their own hands. We, Pakistanis, cumulatively, are good people. 60+ years of poor leadership have made us us loose faith in the government and the community. Our country is very rich in reserves, and under the right leadership we can grow faster than several developed nations that we quote as examples.
If radicalism falls as a result of this and we are able to successfully hold talks with Taliban, we would be able to know the foreign-funded violence-oriented elements in TTP, then we can easily seclude them and take offensive action as the assembly deems fit. Finally, we will develop KP and Baluchistan as they very well deserve, mine the reserves reserves there and make this country independent from crippling deficit which is driving my labour-class to selling organs for food.
Next time, I hope my people make the right decision for their future when they vote. Remember, my people, progeny of jackals cannot yield lions even if they breed through end of time.
PTI will do anything to protect its friends. It doesn't care about the consequences.
Mr CM don't give just statements like your kaptan do. Show some practical example. In btw if you thinks they will stop drone attacks by blocking NATO supplies then I think you are also sleeping like rest of #PTI and #nayapakistan
The CM's body language in most pictures is all wrong. Even in this one it clearly looks like the JI standing with him are the ones calling the shots.
I am from Peshawar, KP and I am noticing change, I mean serious change in reforms. I hope PTI succeeds despite all the barriers as KP is the hardest and most challenged province.
Again, dedicated & passion from PTI prevails. They are willing to go far for the peace of the country!
Imran Khan Zindabad, PTI Zindabad, Pakistan pirindabad.
Where are all the fake liberals at, screaming and yelling, why doesn't KP govt stop drone attacks? Now they will find another excuse! Poor souls!