In drone aftermath, government to continue pursuing talks
Continuing drone strikes shows that Pakistan's viewpoint on pursuing dialogue has not been understood, Nawaz says.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif presiding over special meeting of the cabinet at PM House Islamabad, on November 04, 2013. PHOTO: PID
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Monday that drones strikes have severely damaged the government’s effort for the peace dialogue with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), but the government will not let the dialogue process be derailed.
If cooperation could not be extended to the process of eliminating the menace of terrorism, then at least it should not have been damaged, Nawaz said.
He was chairing a special meeting of the federal cabinet at the Prime Minister house in Islamabad.
Addressing the meeting, Nawaz expressed confidence that the peace process will not be allowed to derail.
The cabinet decided to continue efforts for the dialogue process.
The premier said Pakistan had every right to take decisions and formulate strategy in the interest of the country. "The ice was melting and contacts had been established from both the sides."
"Amidst this scenario, the drone strike inflicted serious damage to the government's efforts for dialogue and peace."
Nawaz pointed out the continuation of an unfortunate and condemnable practice of the drone attacks manifested that Pakistan's view point for the permanent elimination of terrorism and the establishment of durable peace was not understood.
"If there cannot be cooperation with the process we have initiated to end terrorism by leaving the path of revenge, it should at least not be damaged."
The recent All Parties Conference (APC) decision to pursue dialogue for peace proved that entire political and military leadership‚ people‚ media and civil society wanted a resolution to the issue of terrorism through serious and meaningful dialogue, Nawaz said. He added that the world community also wants an end to the bloodshed.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan was fully conscious of the menace of terrorism, as it has been affected by terrorism more than any other country. He added that the state should be allowed to resolve the issue according to its own strategy.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Monday that drones strikes have severely damaged the government’s effort for the peace dialogue with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), but the government will not let the dialogue process be derailed.
If cooperation could not be extended to the process of eliminating the menace of terrorism, then at least it should not have been damaged, Nawaz said.
He was chairing a special meeting of the federal cabinet at the Prime Minister house in Islamabad.
Addressing the meeting, Nawaz expressed confidence that the peace process will not be allowed to derail.
The cabinet decided to continue efforts for the dialogue process.
The premier said Pakistan had every right to take decisions and formulate strategy in the interest of the country. "The ice was melting and contacts had been established from both the sides."
"Amidst this scenario, the drone strike inflicted serious damage to the government's efforts for dialogue and peace."
Nawaz pointed out the continuation of an unfortunate and condemnable practice of the drone attacks manifested that Pakistan's view point for the permanent elimination of terrorism and the establishment of durable peace was not understood.
"If there cannot be cooperation with the process we have initiated to end terrorism by leaving the path of revenge, it should at least not be damaged."
The recent All Parties Conference (APC) decision to pursue dialogue for peace proved that entire political and military leadership‚ people‚ media and civil society wanted a resolution to the issue of terrorism through serious and meaningful dialogue, Nawaz said. He added that the world community also wants an end to the bloodshed.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan was fully conscious of the menace of terrorism, as it has been affected by terrorism more than any other country. He added that the state should be allowed to resolve the issue according to its own strategy.