The JUI-F spokesperson said that Maulana Fazl also briefed the premier on his recently concluded visit to Afghanistan and conveyed to him the reservations of the Afghan side. PHOTO: PID
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is to spearhead the process of dialogue with the Taliban according to an assurance made by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, a close aide to the JUI-F chief claimed on Monday.
The negotiations are expected to begin soon.
During a meeting at the Noor Khan Airbase, Rawalpindi, ahead of the prime minister’s departure for London on Monday, the JUI-F chief sought a clear guarantee regarding the initiation of talks with the Taliban to ensure stability, particularly in the tribal areas and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, he told The Express Tribune.
At the same time, the prime minister categorically said that on the matter of talks with the Taliban, no pressure would be accepted from anyone or any country, including the US. The same was conveyed to US President Barack Obama in his meeting in Washington, he added.
According to the aide, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar also came under discussion, during which the prime minister and Fazl agreed that every step would be taken in line with the unanimous decisions taken by the civil-military leadership.
Maulana Fazl appreciated the premier’s stance on the US drone strikes, which Islamabad has declared counterproductive as it escalated hatred and acrimony with the West, said JUI-F spokesperson Jan Achakzai.
“The Maulana is satisfied with the stance of the government as per the briefing that was given by Prime Minister Nawaz. But Maulana Fazl has made it quite clear that still there is a need to raise an even stronger voice to force the United States to halt drone strikes immediately,” he said.
He also noted that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif dispelled the impression that some underhand deals between the United States and Pakistan are being furbished. “The current PML-N government is completely against devious affairs related to national security, which is why everything is public and exposed. There is no underhand deal with the US,” an official privy to the meeting quoted the premier as saying.
The JUI-F spokesperson said that Maulana Fazl also briefed the premier on his recently concluded visit to Afghanistan and conveyed to him the reservations of the Afghan side.
PM arrives in London
The prime minister insisted that he has given no assurance to Washington over the release of alleged CIA collaborator Dr Shakil Afridi whose case will continue as scheduled. He was talking to journalists outside his London residence, where he has arrived to participate and address the World Islamic Economic Conference.
He said that he clearly told US President Obama that drone strikes are an attack on the sovereignty of Pakistan and they create hurdles in the country’s peace efforts with the Taliban.
Separately, he said, the situation in Karachi is improving gradually and the city will soon become a peaceful metropolis.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 29th, 2013.
COMMENTS (13)
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Nawaz sharif should show leadership skills. He received overwhelming majority in the recent elections. He should take the initiative to solve the internal security crisis instead of passing on the buck to APC or Maulana. It clearly shows that he does not want to take the responsibility.
All he has to do is talk to himself in front of a mirror.
For negotiations on critical matters, you need selfless, honest and reliable interlocuters. Maulana is neither of these hence these talks shall soon fail.
there goes future of pakistan
Negotations are usually done by a man of high honour, dignity and respect. I see none in Mr. Fazal ur Rehman. God have mercy on our souls.
Nawaz will do anything to sideline IK, even it means jeopardizing peace.
Good step to bring peace
how many times Maulana has to say it before he talks to Taliban?Who is stopping him?
And yet, according to the movie WAAR, TTP whom your APC calls stakeholders and with whom politicians from Imran to Nawaz to Fazl are keen to negotiate with - are Indian agents.
So the party which is not even controlling KPK(PTI) or FATA(federal government),will be leading negotiations. Interestingly wasn't. He himself a target of a. Couple of bombings himself.
I have this feeling that success and Fazul ur Rehman cannot be used in a single sentence whatsoever.
we are doomed