File photo of PTI working checking documents of trucks. PHOTO: SAMEER RAZIQ/EXPRESS
Taking a U-turn on its earlier stance, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Core Committee has decided to end its blockade of Nato supply routes.
According to a media statement issued on Thursday, the core committee “felt that the pressure of the blockade had already resulted in a shift in the Obama Administration’s drone policy and as a result drones had been stopped for the moment.”
The party had built up pressure against drones by its Waziristan march, supported by international human rights groups, it added.
However, in a background discussion with senior PTI leaders, The Express Tribune learnt that the party took the decision after the Peshawar High Court (PHC) termed the blockade of Nato’s supplies illegal. The party’s popularity graph had dipped sharply due to their policy stance as well. “We have decided to review our policy on all major issues particularly on Nato supplies’ blockade, [which has] sharply declined our political graph,” a senior PTI leader said. “Drone strikes and talks with Taliban were other reasons behind it.”
The PTI’s central leadership is under immense pressure after the party faced isolation on all national forums due to its confusing stance over peace talks with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, he added.
“The PTI will likely go for review against the PHC’s judgment on blockade of routes for Nato containers,” he said, adding that the party leaders stood by the Pakistan Army and were also unanimous in their support for a targeted operation against those militants who did not want dialogue within the purview of the Constitution and were continuing violence.
PTI Secretary General Jahangir Khan Tareen and party Information Secretary Dr Shireen Mazari, however, remained tight-lipped. “Same views as Imran Khan said,” responded Tareen when asked about his party stance on the PHC judgment and a fresh stance on an operation against militants in North Waziristan.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 28th, 2014.
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Shame on u ET, almost every news paper report states that PTi end blockade after PHC order, you call it policy U Turn , why not early. You should put a disclaimer on front page" this paper is biased against PTI/ Imran khan, readers discretion advised"
for your info ET 3 days ago Peshawar High Court in its order declared PTI blockage of nato supply illegal http://tribune.com.pk/story/675913/pti-stopping-nato-trucks-from-entering-afghanistan-is-illegal-declares-phc/ is it a bad thing to respect court order?