Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Saturday. PHOTO: AFP
Nisar described the strike as “murder of peace in this area.”
The interior minister revealed that the strike just came hours before a Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazal led delegation was supposed to travel and initiate talks with the Taliban.
He added that in their talks with various US officials including Secretary of State John Kerry, Pakistan had urged for drone strikes to be halted completely, especially during the peace talks, and that they had received assurances that the strikes will not target the TTP.
While the US had promised it will not target the TTP but only those fighters who were crossing into Afghanistan, along with Hakimullah Mehsud, Nisar said that Pakistan had objected to these as well as any strike in Pakistani territory since it could undermine the talks.
"Government of Pakistan does not see this strike as a strike on an individual, but on the peace process."
Nisar also questioned the timing of Friday's strike, asking why did the US have to target Mehsud on the eve of talks when there had been numerous opportunities to target him in the past?
"I want to give the message that those who have scuttled the peace process, should have tolerance, we must all play our part in peace process."
Rejecting the notion that the government of Pakistan was involved in Friday's drone strike, he said that the official view of the strike was that it was an "ambush of peace talks" with the Taliban, and that five decisions had been taken in a high level meeting.
The first of these was that the US ambassador was being summoned to the foreign office and that he will be served a demarche.
Secondly, Pakistani foreign office and ambassadors were being activated to approach the permanent members of the UN security council to take them in confidence over the strike to form a future course of action.
A cabinet meeting has also been called to form a future course of action as soon as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif returns.
Nisar added that a decision had also been taken to review all aspects of Pakistan-US relations.
He added that all the political parties, who had expressed their support for peace talks despite reservations (MQM) or difference of opinion (PTI), will be taken into confidence to form a future course of action.
Nisar said the decision had been taken in a meeting in Islamabad with Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.
Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz‚ PM's Special Assistant Tariq Fatmi‚ Foreign and Interior Secretaries and officials of different security agencies are attending the meeting.
Nisar added that he was also in contact with the Prime Minister and that several meetings over the issue were expected once he returns to the country.
PTI welcomes Ch Nisar's statement 2day;expect federal govt 2 act on the 5 decisions 2day.But PTI will block NATO supplies till drones stop.
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 2, 2013
COMMENTS (70)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1714027629-0/Ranbirtransformation-(1)1714027629-0-270x192.webp){kind=spacer}
@Ch. Allah Daad: Are these noble peace prizes of any value when barbarians like Barack Obama receive them. PATHETIC!
@The Failed Rebel: --- "Reinforces my belief that Taliban drive their strong funding from USA, India etc.Once Hakimullah Mehsud agreed to the talks, he was going to be the whistle blower." Mr. failed ( rebel) . if Hakimullah ( you mean TTP) is funded by USA / India then it is more so needed to destroy the TTP as a whole but instead all are more interested to talk( peace) with them. Don't you think it painful to beg peace from the agents of CIA and Raw. Yes APC is dying to talk peace . The urgency and intensity is on the government/ political parties to talk . So obviously TTP is in a advantageous position to dictate terms and not the vice versa. Lot of arguments in the media that Taliban /TTP are so strong that NATO and USA are unable to defeat them thereby agreeing in principle that Pak army is no match of Taliban/TTP.
The universal rule is that whenever you ( with a weak standing) are going to negotiate with the opponent who is stronger you are bound to cede concessions and at any point on any pretext even after reaching an agreement, it will be broken at their will. . Someone who does not learn from history is termed a big idiot.
@Citizen Kane: As I said, understand hypocrisy. Do not gauge any non-Pakistani elements with Pakistanis. We stand on different grounds. Taliban is anything but our problem. Mullah Omar/several of real Taliban heads clearly issued statements supporting Pakistan and condemning the factions of Taliban who declared our government un-Islamic and started actions against it. You are right that we did however antagonize them by aligning with USA and giving military support to operations there. They were anything but against us since we gave the real Taliban huge support during the Russian resistance.
@csmann: By no means should you super-impose that I support any radical groups. I never stated anything from which this conclusion should be inferred. But I did point out that blatant assaults on our sovereignty should not happen. It is important to understand what is written, not just read. There have been blasts in KP/Baluchistan to which TTP clearly denied any role. Be on the same page with me though, I don't think that TTP's horrendous actions deserve any support, but I don't rule our foreign involvement in supporting TTP. Maybe Hakimullah Mehsud went rogue and wanted an end to the war, said no to foreign aid? I don't know, and the news circulated just doesn't fill in the gaps. Policies which adopt war as the first option have no vision. They just signify apathy for our own soldiers and civilians who will die in the offense. By the way, 10 years of war against the Taliban factions should be enough for us to change strategy against them. I reiterate, divide and conquer. Seclude their violent factions from the peaceful ones, understand them more. So that we can have a more efficient offense.
Lastly, please understand. These are silly allegations to put forth for anyone, "support TTP, killed your leader" etc. No Pakistani in their right mind can support TTP which has been a constantly violent organization overall. I just pointed out that USA is not our savior as most of my people tend to think.
And these guys want Kashmir
LOOOOOL
"The murder of peace" is a misnomer and should rightfully be called "the killing of a murderer."
Talks what talks. Forget the talks and show some rectitude and guts.
The PPP and PMLN governments have more than sufficiently showed their disdain and apathy to the thousands that have been maimed, injured, orphaned, and killed by the TTP and its offshoots. Only a desultory and ignoble government does meaningless things by talking to the killers and murderers, TTP.
The PMLN should thank the USA for this gigantic and monolithic favor. Salams
@The Failed Rebel, Hakimullah was targeted once before in 2011 when he helped attack a CIA base in Afghanistan. His predecessor Baitullah was killed in a drone at a time when his attacks against Pakistan were at their peak.
Stop believing in conspiracy theories. This Taliban mess is our own problem. Stop blaming others for our problems.
Hakimullah Peace, has a ring to it. Since this was the murder of peace that is.
This was an excellent occasion for Pakistan to realign itself with world opinion and affirm on its commitment to war on terror. Instead of rejoicing over the death of a dreaded terrorist ( supposed to be an Indian agent) who killed more than 40,000 innocent civilians, destroyed schools and education system, Pakistan is mourning his death. It would have cost at least 10,000 soldiers and another 10 years for Pakistani army to do the same job, which the drone did for free. I think, for Pakistani politicians, the "Idea of Negotiation": is more attractive, romantic than the end of terrorism itself. Like a busy street hawker, these politicians will be always busy negotiating with US, China, EU, Saudi, Talibam Al Qaida, Iran, Zandula etc etc. forever, all at the cost of the state, its people and global peace. It is a pleasure to read Pakistani comments opposing the minister's statement.
@The Failed Rebel: Our sincere condolences that your idol has been toppled and killed.So you have every right to be angry at everybody,and weave whatever conspiracy theories you wish. We understand.We know it hurts.After all he was only a killer of handful of innocent Pakistanis(50,000 is peanuts for this murderer and his apologists like yourself).
Afghanistan should keep up the pressure on the western borders, India should keep up the pressure on the eastern borders and uncle sam should keep up the pressure in between by sending in Pakistan's national bird, which is the drone.
Pak govt has placed Rs 50m head money on HM. How come now they are crying foul. Either placing head money was wrong or now this reaction is wrong. Why Ch. Nisar did not reacted in same tone when TTP killed Pak army General.
The statement of Ch Nisar is quite mature. It is easier to criticize but very difficult to put up a peaceful solution. Uncle Sam is sitting 10000 Miles away calling the shots and it is innocent Pakistanis who have to face the heat every time. The statement of the Interior Minister Ch Nisar Ali Khan is preemptive in nature to avoid any backlash from TTP psychos, who start killing spree in Pakistan as a result of every bad move by Uncle Sam. Why don't these pseudo-liberal critics, sitting thousands of miles away, visit tribal areas and face the suicide attacks??
Pakikstan has proved that it is a laughing stock....
What PPT really wants from Pakistan ? Suppose is gone from afganistan in 2014 completely and there are no drone strikes from America , what these trained fighters are gonna do then ? sell AK47's?
Murder of peace? How come the attack on a church in Peshawer or the one on Qaimkhani bazar or killings of army officers and jawans not a murder of peace and what happened yesterday was a murder of peace. Pls explain
The WORLD probably thinks more like the MURDER OF INTELLIGENCE in Pakistan after reading about Pakistani government's pronouncements dealing with death of Mehsud!
What would be next :::
TTP will announce new leadership, dialogue process would delayed for some time.
TTP will respond in terrorist act on limited or bigger scale (depending upon there strength).
Government will to resort to military action in tribal belt, to control the fall out of this event.
TTP will further break up in smaller groups with less control by central leadership.
Chances of internal clashes between TTP factions for control of funds, which is held by central leadership.
Peace Talks with small groups would be successful, which may create a mutual trust environment.
For more ::: http://pakistanpostman.blogspot.com/2013/11/us-drone-killed-hakimullah-mehsud.html
@The Failed Rebel: Look at the violence in the world today and ask yourself a simple question - who is behind the most despicable, violent atrocities against civilians? Whether it's Somalia, Kenya, Mali, Pakistan, India, Syria, Iraq, Nigeria, and on and on, the answer is the same. Now ask yourself another question - what motivates the perpetrators of this horrific violence to unhesitatingly murder students in their dorms, shoppers in shopping malls, innocents sitting in restaurants and riding buses, etc.? Not drone strikes in Pakistan, my friend. Drone strikes aren't the cause of this sickness.
@Navaid: What has that to do with this article???? By the way I despise you.
Ch Saab, Are you kidding? Come on man. Shikwa bhee karay koi tou laazim hae shaou'r.
You know its actually funny. "Murder of peace' haha. Im amazed. There wasn't so much condemnation and uproar by the governments when a Major General of army was martyred by these TTP animals. Why is Hakeem ullah mehsood so near & dear to the government. And everyone knows drones hit after consensus with the Pakistani authorities. Even the intel about the whereabouts of the targets is supplied by our securities agencies. Then why this fake drama? I think PMLN & PTI govts. are afraid of the backlash of the TTP terrorists.
Mehsud built a new house. Nice! So, Americans knew when Mehsud went to his newly built house in his car but Pakistani intelligence did not know that? I don't think Mehsud was stupid enough to give his location over a phone call because the entire world knows Americans eavesdrop on all calls. Then it must a mole in Mehsud team. A mole put in by who?
i wish we had seen such a vociferous response from all the politicians when Taliban murdered Lt. General last month....
Global (including Pakistan) silent Majority to Nisar: Are you with us or against us?
US Ambassador was called in FO simply to say '' Thank You Sir ''. Nothing more or less. Other statement from our Interior Minister is only for the consumption of fools for which we are well known and also feel proud.
Either the Minister of Interior is suffering from some kind of sickness or his Ministry did not tell him that the Govt of Pakistan had head money on the Taliban Commander whose faction has killed hundreds of Pakistanis and caused billions of material losses to Pakistan. It is a shame that a Minister took such far reaching decisions and announced them in an open press conference while the person who has been entrusted with such issues - the Prime Minister, was out of the country and was in the air when he was honouring a murderer and wanted man. Will some one with legal mind comment on this action and why Prime Minister' who is also the Foreign Minster and Defence Minster not allowed to address such and important action as announced by the Honorable Interior Minister. Did he forget the deaths of KPk's sitting Minsters and relatives of NAP leader ordered by this man - a wanted man for whom he has taken Pakistan to a path of no return. What we saw on TV was a man scared of Taliban and trying to beg for his life. Go home Mr Nisar - jang khaid nee hundi zananian de
@uzair:
Popular rhetoric in Pakistan but lacks substance. What exactly are you doing for the American's in there WOT? You never attacked the Haqqani who are there number one enemy and according to the BBC the ISI provides them with intel, weapons, training and money. In the past decade you had one major offensive - that was in 09 and against the TTP (which aren't considered a major threat to the USA). Your primary contribution to the WOT has been intel and transit of supplies - and when both were cut off it had zero impact on terrorism in Pakistan and zero impact on the Afghan war. . The reality is that when the American's leave the terrorism is gong to escalate - leaving your rhetoric sounding even more foolish than it does now. . Lastly - I suggest you research the level of terrorist attacks by year - you will find that the major escalation of terrorism started with the attack on the Red Mosque - an event that is hard to pin on the Americans.
I LOVE AMERICA, and I am a KARACHIITE. USA ALL THE WAY !
Confusion or let me say intended confusion at its best in order to keep the masses confused. This game has been successfully played in the past and being perfected.
US clearly knew where Hakim Mehsud was and his whereabouts. They know everything.... of course !!!!!! You are good for US until you can be used,, otherwise GAME OVER !!
@The Failed Rebel:
Reinforces my belief that conspiracy theorist have no common sense. Last two TTP leaders have been killed by the American's.
Murder of 6 soldiers only couple of days ago by TTP was not murder of peace?or a murderer is more important than the soldiers?
Good statements by both, IK and Ch. Nisar, this killing will never bring peace. And the death of Hakim Ullah Mehsud shows the frustration and anger US has with peace/anything good in pakistan.
@Last Word: calling others coward, well its quite easy to sit on the internet and write comments! If u are so barve then i would love to see you grab a gun and go to waziristan. If u ever make it out alive, do share your experience with us on ET. K thanks bye
Why is the whole country up in arms when a top terrorist gets killed ?? These politicians will hardly ever condemn sucide attacks on public places so vociferously. Should Pakistan not shake hands with US and try to eliminate these hard core terrorists and than start the peace talks from a position of strength ? What is the government trying to achieve now by initiating talk process when everyone knows that the government is in no position to bargain? They should be pleased that the top leadership of Taliban has been rendered weak by this killing.
I find the timings of this killing quite sinister. The US is playing a nasty game with us all.
The fact that the US was able to kill TTP leader before the initiation of the peace talks implies that they knew about his whereabouts and could have targeted and killed him anytime. But all along, the US let him loose to plan and execute terror plots in Pakistan. Let us not overlook the timings of this killing: the US killed TTP leader when peace became a possibility.
'Murder of peace' as if mehsud was an angel may be according to Interior minister !
Lip service only. Does any establishment in Pakistan, be may it be in opposition, has the courage to ask US to stop. I really don't think so.
Nisar is not to be left behind is now competing with Imran and Khursheed that he is Taliban's biggest apologist, so that he along with PMLN should be spared by them. All parties appear to be running for cover from an imminent Taliban attack who might target them in revenge of their slain leader. What a shameful and defeatist behavior of the political class in Pakistan who are only interested in saving their own skin and not the masses who are being butchered by these barbarians.
So where are the people now who are decrying IK for supporting peace talks with Taliban, calling him names and what not?
You have to understand that taking super emotional decisions about this matter doesn't help anyone. Neither the past victims of the terrorists nor the future ones.
We have been fighting these terrorists for so long. Did it solve the problem in the slightest? No. So what other options do we have? Yes, talk with them and see if we can reach a peace deal.
Don't forget that killing Mehsud didn't achieve squat. There'll always be somebody else to replace him. And so their terrorist activities will continue like always. The only thing it achieved is sabotage the potential peace dialogue, and ultimately peace in our country.
Kindly use your brain once before you speak.
yes yes yes pakistan must review its relationship with united states of america. i say we should end all relationships with america at once. Close their embassy in pakistan nd start from scratch. Remember how we started after partition? ? things cant be as bad as 1947. this country needs to start from the scratch once again nd 1st step should be end of all relations with Americans and indians.
Are you guys for real? At times I feel you are figment of someone's wild imagination. A non stop madhouse soap opera.
“Government of Pakistan does not see this strike as a strike on an individual, but on the peace process.” . Typical Pakistan conspiracy theory pandering to anti USA sentiment. The statement coming from a high ranking govt official just adds to Pakistan's poor image in the international community. . It's unfortunate that Pakistan chose to ignore that this thug who is associated with killing over 40,000 Pakistani's. Fortunately this thug was stupid enough to admit he was responsible for killing 8 American's - and there not so forgiving. The Americans placed a $5 million dead or alive bounty of this scum bag and there was no way the American's were going to grant this murderer amnesty based on Pakistan's desire to eventually get off their duff and have a conversation with the TTP.
I am impressed with the news conference of Ch Nisar. He rightly said that it is not our war and Americans have sabotaged the peace process. We are fighting a senseless and someone else war just for nothing. Pakistani nation is in strong favour of peace process and get out from this American war. I also appeal to Taliban not to show any reaction in Pakistan as it will fulfill the ultimate designs of Americans who never want peace in our country. I also hope that Taliban will resume peace dialogue. At the end I am thankful to Ch Nisar for his courageous stand on this drone attack.
People being mislead.
Total drama...at least PTI people believe in what ever views they express in public. This guy's boss just came back from across the oceans, after getting orders from the higher boss.
But did not have the courage to make similar staments when taliban were slaughtering thiusands in the streets of Pakistan over the past few years.....what a chaudhry!
Only in Pakistan the nation will mourn when a terrorist is killed. Political leaders of Pakistan are afraid of Taliban who has killed thousands of their countrymen.
Please correct the spelling of Friday in your headline.
Welcome to reality. Uncle Sam does not care.
A murderer is murdered, and this is the murder of peace ? Great Logic, chaudhry sab.,
Why the angst? I thought Hakimullah Mehsud was supposed to be a RAW agent
Did drone killed Noble Peace Prize winner?
Classic Pakistani assertion. Blame your impotency on someone else.
One Word: LOL
Reinforces my belief that Taliban drive their strong funding from USA, India etc. Once Hakimullah Mehsud agreed to the talks, he was going to be the whistle blower. I hope that our people can go ahead with the peace talks and recognize USA not as an ally but as a barbaric cunning enemy striving to create instability in KP and Baluchistan. After all, if there are reserves worth 4 trillion in the belly of KP and Baluchistan, who would want their enemy to develop on those and become more power than ever. Pakistan is a nuclear Muslim state and a direct threat to America and its allies. When will my people realize how important they are in the current world?
Peace? Was there peace before this strike? If anything, this is the first step towards peace
No one can beat Pakistani politicians when it comes to drama politics. Whole world knows that Pakistan and USA are collaborating on drones. Killed TTP chief was a sworn enemy of Pakistani army and Americans. Instead of celebrating his death, Pakistani politicians are enacting a fake drama. Do you think TTP are bunch of fools that they don't know all this fake drama of yours?
Yes, Nasir is right.
In Pakistani mind, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) chief Hakimullah Mehsud was the 'Ambassador of Peace'.
Should call it "murder of peace lover" who killed thousands of innocent people.