Nisar holds talks with leaders on repercussions

Published November 2, 2013
Soon after the media reported the death of the TTP supremo, Chaudhry Nisar called the Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly, Syed Khursheed Shah of PPP, PTI chairman Imran Khan, JUI-F chief Fazalur Rehman and Jamaat-i-Islami leader Munawwar Hassan.   — File Photo
Soon after the media reported the death of the TTP supremo, Chaudhry Nisar called the Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly, Syed Khursheed Shah of PPP, PTI chairman Imran Khan, JUI-F chief Fazalur Rehman and Jamaat-i-Islami leader Munawwar Hassan. — File Photo

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan scrambled on Friday to update opposition political leadership on the reported killing of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Hakeemullah Mehsud in a US drone attack and its repercussions for the planned peace talks.

Soon after the media reported the death of the TTP supremo, Chaudhry Nisar called the Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly, Syed Khursheed Shah of PPP, PTI chairman Imran Khan, JUI-F chief Fazalur Rehman and Jamaat-i-Islami leader Munawwar Hassan.

The minister’s official spokesman confirmed that Chaudhry Nisar had contacted the leaders and informed them about the development. He also called Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who has extended his stay in London.

According to the spokesman, Chaudhry Nisar discussed with the political leaders the likely adverse effects of Hakimullah’s killing on the government’s planned talks with the TTP. He told them (party leaders) that the government couldn’t confirm the killing of the TTP chief, but it was deeply concerned about its far-reaching impact on contacts with the Taliban which were still in initial stages.

Analysts are of the opinion that after the killing of the TTP chief, there is little hope for talks taking place between the government and the Taliban in near future. In recent weeks the government has been facing intense criticism from opposition parties for not making serious efforts about the talks.

Talking to a TV channel, Syed Khursheed Shah said the interior minister had informed him that the government planned to send some emissaries on Saturday to formally start talks with the TTP, but after the drone attack nothing could now be said with certainty.

Talking to Dawn, a spokesperson for the JUI-F said that Maulana Fazl in response to a call from the interior minister condemned the drone attack and advised the government to act with patience. The JUI-F leader said that international forces were hell-bent on disrupting the talks with the TTP and the continuation of drone attacks were part of the same plan.

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

PAKISTAN has now registered 50 polio cases this year. We all saw it coming and yet there was nothing we could do to...
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...