SUKKUR: Leader of opposition in National Assembly Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah has said that they are with the government whether it holds talks with Taliban or go for a military operation, but, if prisoners involved in heinous crimes are freed on the demand of Taliban, it would be very difficult and dangerous.

Addressing a press conference at the Sukkur press club on Sunday, he said that after the announcement of a ceasefire, if any terrorist act occurred, it would no longer remain a ceasefire.

“However, if peace is maintained, we will be happy for it,” he added.

He said that they left it for the government to decide what course of action it take after the announcement of the ceasefire by Taliban and they would support the government because national interest was their top priority.

“We will not do politics on issues of elimination of terrorism and maintaining peace, nor will we create any hurdle for the government on this issue because it will cause a loss to the people.”

He said the announcement of a ceasefire by Taliban was a result of tremendous pressure on them.

He added that if all political forces were taken into confidence, then everyone would share the responsibility, but if the government took decisions all alone, then it would be fully responsible for any loss.

Mr Shah said that the opposition would not do ‘point scoring’ on this crucial issue.

Replying to a question about MQM chief Altaf Hussain’s statement regarding army intervention, Mr Shah said that the continuation of democracy was necessary for strengthening of the country and its existence.

All problems in the country occurred during military dictatorships and the military regimes, he said.

The country was divided during a military dictator’s rule, he added.

Inviting army to intervene was extremely dangerous for the country, he said.

Responding to a question about any u-turn in the Pakistan’s foreign policy, he said that the country needed to make its foreign policy balanced, instead entangling itself in foreign countries wars.Replying to a question about a statement of PTI chief Imran Khan on the PPP, he said the PPP was a big party and it had roots in all provinces, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.

Former MPA Dr Nasrullah Baloch, former provincial adviser to CM Pehlaj Rai, former taluka nazim Syed Kazim Ali Shah and other PPP leaders were also present there.