Government should take concrete steps to end drone attacks in the tribal areas, urges the JUI-F chief. PHOTO: PPI/FILE
PESHAWAR: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman asked the government on Thursday to explain its strategy on talks with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which would thereby allow a jirga to initiate the peace process.
Talking to reporters following a JUI-F backed tribal jirga at the JUI-F's provincial secretariat, Rehman said that the jirga regrets that the government has still not outlined its policy regarding the peace process.
The jirga elders hope that government will stand by its promise to the people of Fata of bringing peace in the region, said Fazl to the reporters.
He added that the jirga also recorded its protest over drone strikes and that drone attacks were sabotaging the peace process.
The government should take concrete steps to end drone attacks in the tribal areas of the country, he urged.
He revealed that the jirga also expressed its concern over the delay in rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from tribal areas, which was affecting the education of thousands of children.
According to Fazl, the jirga was formed earlier last year to bring peace in Fata and, prior to the 2013 general elections, the national leadership had backed jirga efforts to bring peace in the country. Fazl claimed that the TTP had also expressed its confidence in the jirga's efforts.
He said that the previous government could not initiate steps for peace in the light of the All Parties Conference (APC) declaration.
High hopes
Fazl also welcomed the appointment of the new army chief and hoped that General Raheel Sharif will bring about a change in strategy for restoring peace in the country.
He also shared his wish that the government and its organisations would work on a joint strategy for restoration of peace across the country.
When asked whether the Taliban still back the jirga, Fazl said that they had never expressed their mistrust in it.
Sectarian rifts
Fazl also announced that a meeting of religious parties will be held on Friday to discuss sectarian rifts in the context of the recent violence in Rawalpindi on Ashura. The Friday meeting will seek proposals to permanently solve sectarian problems in the country, he added.
Interestingly, Fazl did not respond to any questions about PTI's sit-ins to block Nato supplies.
COMMENTS (5)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
What talks Maulana? Stop dreaming. Days of your kind are over.
When asked whether the Taliban still back the jirga, Fazl said that they had never expressed their mistrust in it. Just like IK would say- "but TTP did not admit responsibility". Although TTP have categorically refused to have talks with Government and continued the mayhem.
Drones: 1. The collateral damage is minimum or nothing, compared to Taliban suicide bombers, or Army tanks. 2. They don't disrupt "Social Life", crops, animals, regular business transactions, roads, bridges, air ports, hospitals, Govt. offices etc. 3. Drones are so specific, and accurate, that the targeted area is clear of women and children. 4. Drones don't target Friday prayers, Girls Schools, School buses. Taliban do. 5. Drones don't kill News Reporters, Politicians or Judges.