Talks and attacks can’t go together: Ahsan Iqbal

LAHORE: Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said on Friday that the government will consult other political parties for future strategy but that talks and attacks cannot proceed side by side, Radio Pakistan reported.

The minister was briefing the media about the progress within peace talks in Lahore. He asserted that peace in country through talks is a better option. However, talks and attacks cannot proceed side by side.

While answering a question, Iqbal said that the government will take other political parties in confidence before developing future peace dialogue strategy.

Earlier on Friday, the government and Taliban negotiation committees issued a joint statement condemning all activities that undermine peace.

In light of yesterday’s attack on police personnel in Karachi that left 13 dead, the government committee expressed their concern about the viability of peace talks to their counterparts, demanding that the Taliban be asked to make a clear statement to immediately stop all activities that undermine peace.

The Taliban committee was in agreement and added that the government should agree not to use force either.