JUI-F head Fazlur Rehman gestures as he arrives to attend an election meeting in Lahore on March 31, 2013. PHOTO: AFP
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Tuesday said talks with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) – stalled by US drone strike – were a must for peace.
“There are hurdles in the way of formulating an effective strategy including a forum for this purpose but talks with the Taliban are a must for peace,” Fazl said while addressing the media at National Press Club.
Responding to a question, Fazl said it would be very unfortunate if an operation was launched against militants in March.
The JUI-F chief said the issue had transformed into ‘a very sensitive’ matter and that efforts were underway for peace which, according to him, had been his party’s stance since day one.
Referring to the parliamentary resolutions during the previous government, he said the parliament had failed to implement them.
“But now we urge the incumbent government to formulate and implement an effective policy to tackle the issue,” he said, adding that there still was a need for all stakeholders to evaluate the need for effective strategy and to remove hurdles on the path of negotiations.
Musharraf’s trial
Talking about the ongoing high treason case against former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf, the JUI-F head said: “I have no interest in this case.”
Although he refused to comment on the issue, he did discuss the nature of case and expressed surprise over government’s decision to try Musharraf for abrogating the Constitution on November 3, 2007 and not for his October 12, 1999 coup.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 8th, 2014.
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@Motiwala: Killing and retaliating has been going on for a long time. Isn't it time to say enough is enough and negotiate. Even UK negotiated with IRA. USA negotiated with Vietcong Terrorists, etc. etc. Most importantly, the Government should have courage to go for peaceful solution and this action should be taken in secret. What I mean is that the Government should continue its efforts with patience and away from the glare of media and TV. Good Luck to Nawaz Sharif
'...unfortunate if operation launched against militants' The Bearded One has spoken. In his twisted, mystifying logic, the killers of innocent men,women and children are not to be touched.
We wish to see peace prevail throughout the country. Pakistan’s security and stability is simply vital to the region’s security and stability. We simply cannot over emphasize Pakistan’s importance in the region. We stand by Pakistan in its efforts to negate the threat of violence. We repeat what the U.S. state department spokesman said recently, “The issue of whether to negotiate with TTP is an internal matter for Pakistan.” The official further added, “More broadly, the United States and Pakistan continue to have a vital, shared strategic interest in ending extremist violence so as to build a more prosperous, stable, and peaceful region.”
Ali Khan DET, United States Central Command
No doubt there are hurdles in the way of formulating an effective policy but not impossible.it requires will and determination which our government is unable to show.To blame US for our failure has become a habit with us.We are an independent and sovereign.. nation.we should take decision with out fear or pressure.and keeping our interest uppermost.Peace talks wit TTP is essential before using power. It is quite logical.
“There are hurdles in the way of formulating an effective strategy including a forum for this purpose but talks with the Taliban are a must for peace,” The peace talks with TTP only may succeed if US wills and US would never want to see the successful peace talks between Pakistani government and TTP because US never wants peace in Pakistan....
Hmm, Would it also be unfortunate if the Taliban/TTP launched attacks on Pakistanis?