Government weighing options on Taliban issue

Published February 25, 2014
Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz. — File photo
Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz. — File photo

ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz said on Monday that government was consulting other stakeholders on dealing with the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

“Obviously recent attacks have adversely affected the process of talks with the TTP. We are considering different options after the unfortunate incidents,” he said while talking to reporters on the sidelines of a seminar.

The military has pounded terrorist hideouts in tribal areas and Hangu district after talks were suspended in the aftermath of killing of 23 kidnapped Frontier Corps soldiers who were in the captivity of the Taliban.

According to security forces, almost 90 suspected militants have been killed in the strikes in Mirali, Datta Khel, Bara, Tirah and Thall since Wednesday. However, the claim has not been verified.

Mr Aziz said the government was consulting other political parties on the issue. In reply to a question, he said consultations were about the options of a full-scale military operation or limited aerial strikes. But, he added, the option of dialogue with militants would not be closed.

“Establishing the writ of the state and restoring peace is our ultimate objective,” he said.

The federal cabinet in a meeting on Tuesday will be briefed on the consultations that have taken place so far.

About the killing of FC soldiers, he said the issue had been discussed with the Afghan government and it was investigating reports that the soldiers had been killed on its soil.

Islamabad had provided the Afghan government the “information” it had asked for, the adviser said.

Opinion

Editorial

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...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...