ISLAMABAD: A meeting of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) core committee was held in Islamabad on Monday which decided against the party chief Imran Khan’s inclusion in peace committee nominated by the Taliban.
However, the meeting welcomed the move and assured full support to the government and the Taliban to make the dialogue process successful.
In a statement issued by the PTI, it was stated that the party has full confidence on a four-member committee announced by the government, adding that Rustam Shah Mohmand from government’s side will represent the PTI in peace talks.
In response to the government’s talks offer and formation of a four-member committee for talks with the Taliban, the outlawed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had nominated a five-member team for negotiations.
The TTP-nominated committee included PTI chairman Imran Khan, Jamiat Uleme-e-Islam (S) leader Maulana Samiul Haq, Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz, Jamaat-i-Islami’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief Professor Muhammad Ibrahim and former MPA Mufti Kifayatullah of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam – Fazl.
During its core committee meeting, the PTI also urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to fully assist peace negotiations between the government and the Taliban.
The statement said that the PTI has always been an advocate of dialogue for peace so that the prosperity and progress of the nation can be assured.
It said that the PTI reaffirms its support for the four-member committee in which the PTI has its representative in Rustum Shah Mohmand.
The PTI core committee said that the party reiterates it will support all developments towards peace through dialogue within the parameters of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
PTI gives five clear guiding principles for dialogue
Moreover, the PTI core committee gave five clear guiding principles for dialogue, which include;
1) – It must be within the parameters of the Constitution. 2) – To create a positive environment, there must be a ceasefire from both sides, especially an end to terror attacks during duration of the talks. 3) – The talks must be open and transparent so we know how they are progressing; what are the impediments; and who are the saboteurs. We must be prepared for sabotage by enemies of Pakistan.
4) – The prime minister should demand of the US govt an end to drone attacks so that the talks are not droned as happened last time. 5) – Once talks commence, we need time lines so that results can be achieved. Time is the essence as powerful vested interests and anti-Pakistan elements will be looking to sabotage the process.
