Civil-military huddle: PM, Army chief discuss security situation

Express concerns over tenacious standpoint given by Taliban vis-a-vis peace negotiations.

ISLAMABAD:

While reviewing decisions of Cabinet Committee on National Security, a high level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday expressed serious concerns over tenacious standpoint given by Taliban vis-a-vis peace negotiations.

The meeting was also attended by Chairman Joint Chiefs Staff Committee General Rashid Mehmood, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif and Director General of ISI.

Sources who wished not to be named told The Express Tribune that the meeting discussed steps to restart peace talks process with the Taliban.



The military side suggested that the government should again try to bring Taliban leadership to negotiation table and till that time Taliban must assure that no terrorist activity would be carried out on innocent civilians and security personnel across the country.

Disruption of Nato supply route was another issue that was given sufficient time during the meeting. COAS Raheel Sharif gave his input on post US troops drawdown situation.

The meeting reviewed the implementation of decision made by National Security Committee and overall security situation in the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 20^th, 2013.