Chaudhry Nisar. PHOTO: FILE
To revive proposed talks with militants, the government is likely to make ‘important announcements’ by the end of this month, following back-to-back meetings between the heads of two religious political parties with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.
In an overture to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the interior minister met Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Islamabad on Wednesday. This was an urgent call by the government to finalise the proposed talks with TTP as recommended by all political parties in the All Parties Conference last year.
“The government is pursuing the option of dialogue sincerely and wants to establish peace in restive areas through talks, but it is also incumbent upon the other side to react positively,” Nisar was quoted as saying by a senior interior ministry official.
The official, who did not wish to be named, told The Express Tribune that the minister is likely to announce the government’s new strategy on the matter in the next session of parliament.
“The government will also announce the national security policy accordingly,” he added.
On Tuesday, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (S) Chief Maulana Samiul Haq met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who requested the religious leader to use his influence to pursue talks with the TTP.
Fazlur Rehman assured Nisar that his party was ready to play its role to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table.
“Enough blood has already been spilled,” the interior minister said, adding that those militant factions opposing the peace process, must grow out of their mindsets and respond to the government.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 2nd, 2014.
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