News
Sunday, September 08, 2013
All Parties Conference : Consensus sought over national security policyISLAMABAD: The government is all set to hold the All Parties Conference (APC) tomorrow (Monday) at the Prime Minister’s House to evolve consensus on a national security policy, to deal with terrorism and discuss proposal for talks with the Taliban.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan have talked to senior political leaders by phone and extended the invitations.
The government was previously expected to hold the APC on July 12 to evolve a national strategy to curb militancy and address the overall law and order and security situation in the country. However, it was delayed as the government wanted to hold more consultations to make the event successful.
The APC will also discuss whether the government should opt for talks with the Taliban.
Senior military and intelligence officials will also attend the conference to brief the participants about the security situation.
The APC could continue for more than a day if needed. Awami National Party (ANP) leader Senator Haji Adeel has been invited to attend the APC, while National Assembly Opposition leader Syed Khursheed Shah has cancelled a private foreign visit to attend the meeting.
Pakistan Muslim League (PML) President Senator Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain will also attend the APC and has postponed his scheduled visit to Kabul.
He was going to Kabul along with other members of the Senate Committee for Defence. Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed will leave for Kabul as head of the committee on Monday.
On the directions of the government, the security and secret agencies have prepared a briefing over the Karachi situation. A question-answer session will be held at the APC after the briefings.
According to sources, Army Chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Chief Zaheerul Islam will brief the prime minister ahead of the APC.
The sources said Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman would once again offer assistance for talks with the Taliban. agencies
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk