News
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
Ready for talks if TTP quits violence: Malik* Interior minister says all stakeholders will be consulted and people’s sentiments will be taken into consideration before implementing any policy regarding TTP
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rehman Malik said on Monday that the government was ready to hold talks with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Hakimullah Mehsud if he renounced violence.
Speaking to reporters, Malik said action would be taken if the TTP continued on its path of violence. He added that the government and army had fought terrorism. “The TTP has given no response regarding renouncing violence. When a reply is received all stakeholders will be consulted and the nation’s emotions will be taken into consideration before implementing any policy regarding the TTP”. In a video message, Hakimullah Mehsud had said that the TTP were ready to negotiate with the government but unwilling to surrender arms.
Referring to the murder investigation of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, the interior minister said that authorities had made the required arrests. He said investigation into the assassination has been completed and will be made public if the court allowed. He appreciated the Islamabad police for its forensic services in the investigation of the case and said that the information about people involved in the murder would be made public soon. He added that the trial of the case is underway.
Malik further said that no one would be stopped from holding a long march and they will be provided all facilities. He said he will meet those who have given call for the march, apparently referring to Tahirul Qadri. Earlier, speaking at a function organised by the Islamabad police, Malik said that security situation in the federal capital has considerably improved due to measures taken by the government. He said politicians would be allowed political activities at F9 Park, but they should not indulge in activities that endanger lives of the people.
The minister also announced Sitara-e-Shujaat for IGP Islamabad. To a question, Malik said we are ready for talks with Taliban if they give up violence and terrorism. He said if violence and terrorism continue then action will be taken. He said that the law enforcement agencies, including army, Frontier Constabulary and police would continue fighting the elements who were involved in terror activities.
The minister also announced that mobile phone services would not be suspended in Karachi on the New Year’s night. He further said that the government did not want to delay elections and would hold them on time as per the constitution. Replying to a question regarding Qadri’s proposed march towards Islamabad on January 14, the minister asked its organisers to hold it at F9 Park.
Rehman Malik said that he tried to enhance capacity of Islamabad police during his tenure and assigned the responsibility of counter-terrorism cell to Islamabad IGP Bani Amin Khan, who accomplished the task in an effective manner. He hailed the efforts of Islamabad police for countering terrorism activities and making the city more secure. agencies
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk