Tackling militants: Imran Khan urges resumption of talks

Says he will fight against those who want to impose their doctrine with the barrel of a gun.


Ali Usman March 03, 2014
PTI chief Imran Khan. PHOTO: INP

LAHORE:


Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Sunday urged the government to resume peace dialogue with Taliban, adding that if the talks failed and anybody tried to forcefully impose any system in Pakistan, he would himself seek a gun and take active part in resistance.


He said after reviewing the recent statements of US Admiral Mike Mullen, General George Allen and Hillary Clinton, it becomes clear who wanted Pakistan Army to launch operation in North Waziristan.

“American troops have decided to defeat Haqqani Network before they leave [Afghanistan]. Those 700,000 people who live in North Waziristan are Pakistanis, who will suffer if an operation is launched,” he said, while addressing the first session of Punjab Provincial Council at Aiwan-e-Iqbal.

Imran said at all parties conference the former army chief General Kayani  and former ISI chief General Pasha had briefed on how much loss Pakistan would suffer by launching operation in North Waziristan.

He said his stance from day one was that the war on terror was not Pakistan’s war, adding that the use of force was not a solution to any problem.

“I was 18 years old when East Pakistan Operation was launched. I remember people saying in huge drawing rooms that the army should kill these Bingos. However, military operation against Bengalis resulted in separation,” he added.

Presenting the stats of terror attacks, Imran said the country witnessed 13,150 terrorist attacks between 2007 and 2013.

Imran said ‘the status quo parties’ in Pakistan were just afraid of the PTI. He advised his party workers to stay united, adding that his success as a cricketer lay in the fact that he always did self-analysis and learnt from mistakes.

“We have spent a huge amount on party elections but this will show results in the future. Our party is not a family-limited company. We are doing review of electoral process and all the political parties will learn from us the way we will hold our party elections in the future,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 3rd, 2014.

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