Why can’t dialogue work here?

PESHAWAR: Change happens by listening and then starting a dialogue with the people who are doing something you don’t believe is right. In a true dialogue, both sides are willing to change. The dialogue with the Taliban is important for peace in Pakistan. Most Pakistanis want dialogue and want it to succeed, not least because they know the alternative would be war.

The demands of the Taliban may be hard to implement, but sincerity from both sides can help resolve issues. Through history, outsiders have taken advantage of the people of Fata for their own ends. The people have never been consulted on any major decision by the federal government. Once the government extends its full support to the local community, no terrorist group will be able to stand against the system and entice the locals to their cause. The use of force cannot and will not solve this problem.

Usman Haider

Published in The Express Tribune, March 16^th, 2014.

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