First option, dialogue: Top security forum endorses Taliban talks

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan dismissed the idea of peace talks.

ISLAMABAD:

At the first-ever meeting of the recently reconstituted top security forum, the country’s top civilian and military leadership decided on Tuesday to pursue peace talks with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates, labelling it as the ‘first option.’

The Cabinet Committee on National Security (CCNS) made the decision at its maiden session chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. In August, this year, the Defence Committee of the Cabinet morphed into the CCNS to deal with issues related to national security.

Tuesday’s meeting focused on three key issues: formulation of a national security strategy to safeguard Pakistan’s national interests, devising a strategy on internal security, and relations with Afghanistan, according to the official handout issued by Prime Minister’s Office.

The committee reaffirmed the government’s commitment to negotiations with the TTP and considered the use of other options only as a last resort.

Sources said that Chief of the Army Staff General Raheel Sharif and other senior military officials briefed the committee on the country’s internal and external security situation.



Despite recent hiccups in efforts to bring the TTP to the negotiating table, Premier Nawaz said the government would give ‘peace a chance’ before going for any other option.

Another major decision taken by the committee was to enhance security on the western border with Afghanistan. This decision was taken after US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel, in his recent meetings with Pakistani officials, raised the issue of ‘terrorist hideouts’ on the Pakistani side of the border.

According to officials, the Pentagon chief told Islamabad that it could significantly reduce drone attacks in the volatile tribal regions if a decisive action was taken against ‘terrorist hideouts’ there.

The Afghan reconciliation process and Pakistan’s role in peace efforts also came under discussion.  The official statement said the committee directed the ministries concerned to take measures to facilitate regional peace and stability.

The prime minister also briefed the members of the committee on his last visit to Kabul. He said a number of steps were agreed upon for political security and economic and commercial cooperation with Afghanistan.

‘No more talks’: TTP rebuffs dialogue ‘option’

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) immediately dismissed the idea of peace talks. “Like previous governments, this one is [also] a puppet of the United States.

It’s powerless and dollar-hungry,” said TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid. He said the Taliban had information that plans were already under way for a military operation, saying the Taliban were ready for battle.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 18^th, 2013.

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