Pakistan govt still keen on Taliban peace talks despite attacks

Published October 3, 2013
Sartaj Aziz, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's adviser on foreign affairs and national security.—Reuters/File Photo
Sartaj Aziz, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's adviser on foreign affairs and national security.—Reuters/File Photo

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is still keen to pursue dialogue with local Taliban militants, the government’s top national security adviser said Thursday, despite a spate of bloody attacks in the country’s northwest.

Three bombings in the space of a week in the city of Peshawar killed more than 140 people, most of them civilians, prompting many to question a government plan to seek peace with the militants.

The umbrella Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group has denied responsibility for the attacks, which included a double suicide bombing on a church, and claimed a conspiracy to thwart the talks was afoot.

Sartaj Aziz, adviser on national security and foreign affairs to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, said talks should be given a chance.

“Despite these incidents the dialogue option should be pursued, because the Taliban are many groups and many of them have said they do want to pursue dialogue,” he told reporters.

“There are some elements who want to disrupt the dialogue but the whole purpose of the dialogue is to put an end to such incidents.”

The TTP, which has waged a bloody insurgency against the Pakistani state since 2007, has issued stringent conditions for its participation in talks, including the release of its cadres from jail and the withdrawal of troops from the tribal areas along the Afghan border.

Aziz’s remarks came a day after the TTP said it would only consider a government ceasefire to be valid if it included an end to US drone strikes in the tribal areas, where it has strongholds.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...