Ready to hold talks with extremists: Mian Iftikhar
KP minister for information says dialogues with terrorists are possible if they renounce violence.
PESHAWAR:- Addressing a press conference, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain has said that the government has stepped forward for dialogue with extremists but before holding talks, they must renounce violence.
He said that he is consultation with other political parties for all parties’ conference, adding that he has positive and constructive approach.
He added that if the first option doesn’t bore fruit, then president, military leadership and political leaders would be taken into confidence as a second option.
While advocating his stance, he said that if Afghan government can hold talks with Taliban, “why is it not possible for us to have a dialogue with them.”
Throwing light on current critical situation in the country, he said that Tahirul Qadri’s demand is unconstitutional and undemocratic which has nothing to do with reality.
He urged upon the federal government to provide proper security to Sheikhul Islam and in this regard FC platoon may be called to deploy at sensitive points.
Some days back, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan had offered for ‘meaningful’ dialogue with the Government of Pakistan.
Ehsan said the TTP had always been ready for negotiations, adding that, the Pakistani government was following foreign dictates and talks would only be possible if the government would have the authority to hold them freely.
Responding to a query on a statement by chief of the Awami National Party (ANP), Asfanyar Wali Khan, that talks with the Pakistani Taliban were possible if they renounced violence, the TTP spokesman said “terms and conditions” were unacceptable for any peace talks to be initiated.
