ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan Monday apprised the National Assembly that the government was decisively consulting all stakeholders including the politicians and security agencies to heed afresh offer of dialogue from Pakistani Taliban.
“As the nation seemed to be forging unity on the issue of terrorism, they once again showed willingness for dialogue. We will have to decide as how to move forward. But for this, we should set aside our political motives and associations,” he said responding to the points raised by the opposition members as the house was discussing country's law and order situation.
The minister said since 9/11, the country faced around 2,000 terror incidents and that the political unity was a must to ensure success of any decision, either it is dialogue or the military operation against the militants.
He said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) never politicized the issue of terrorism during last five years and always called for consensus through all parties conference.
Nisar said the government had established contacts with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and during the correspondence, the TTP leader proposed seven names for peace talks.
He said even at that time, some of the Taliban factions opposed talks with TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud as, according to them, it could promote his profile but the government opted only to talk with the central leadership.
The minister said he was unsure whether Hakimullah took his leadership into confidence as they demanded to keep all developments secret. However, the process came to a halt after drone attack killed Hakimullah Mehsud, he said.
Recalling his meeting with a US representative, the minister said he remained stick to the stance that the drone strike sabotaged the dialogue process despite clarifications from the American side.
However, he said the newly elected TTP leader Mullah Fazlullah flatly refused to hold dialogue with the government considering the US and Pakistan's government responsible for Hakimullah's murder.
“With whom the government will hold dialogue if there is no willingness from the other side,” he questioned.
The interior minister said within seven months, the government strived to initiate dialogue process besides formulating an internal security policy.
Imran hails Nisar, assures support if taken onboard
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan extended support to the government on countering terrorism but demanded repeatedly to take all political forces in the country into confidence on the progress.
“I second the stance of Chaudhry Nisar. His sincerity to resolve the issue is above board. Terrorism has been swelling over last nine years and it is a complicated issue,” he said in National Assembly in response to the interior minister’s speech.
He also assured no politicking on the issue, however, demanded that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif should ensure leadership to the nation.
“I can understand the hazards in talks as well as operation and this situation demands a true leadership.”
The PTI chief said some Taliban groups are being funded from abroad and when the government tries to start talks with some groups, other opt for bombings.
“But, we assure the prime minister and the government that we won’t go for point scoring on this issue.”
“I do understand it is a difficult situation. But, we are also a party and answerable to masses. At least we should have something to tell our party and the people,” said Khan.
The PTI chief said the present situation was worrisome and demanded a well thought-out strategy to meet with the challenge of terrorism as well as the situation which has to emerge in the region after the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan.
Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Shiekh Rasheed Ahmed said after targeted operation, Taliban suffered massive loss and they will show a massive reaction.
He said the situation is gruesome but the opposition is with the government. Therefore, whatever decision the government makes, must be made with sincerity.
“Ball is now in government's court. So whatever decision needs to be made that should be final,” he added.