Pakistan: Political parties push for security talks with Kabul

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Islamabad (News International / Pakistan Point News - 14th January, 2025) Representatives of several political parties expressed their concerns over the current law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in a nearly four-hour-long meeting with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir in Peshawar on Monday.

According to Pakistan's Dawn News, sources familiar with the meeting said that the political leadership wants the full implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP), while also suggesting a review of the plan to make some changes if necessary.

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According to sources, representatives of JUI-F, PPP, PML-N, JI, QWP also attended the meeting.

He said that the leaders of the political parties proposed "formal or informal talks" with the interim Afghan government.

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All participants were of the opinion that cooperation between neighboring countries can facilitate the establishment of peace in the region.

'They do not listen to us'

However, the army chief pointed out that the Afghan interim rulers have repeatedly failed to heed warnings in the past.

According to sources, the army chief told those demanding formal or informal talks with the interim Afghan government that "they do not listen to us".

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Political leaders, however, advised the military leadership to use "other methods of dialogue" with the Afghan interim government to resolve the issues.

The Pakistan military's public relations department, the ISPR, confirmed the talks between the army chief and politicians from different political parties. He said that the participants agreed on the need for a united political voice and public support against the scourge of militancy.

According to a statement issued by the ISPR, the political representatives clearly declared their unwavering support to the armed forces and law enforcement agencies in the nation’s fight against militancy.

The political parties also agreed on the need for a united front against the extremist philosophy of militant groups, transcending political interests.

Decisive response will be given

According to the ISPR, although the military leadership clarified that no new military operation is being carried out, it said that “the operation will be intensified based on intelligence.”

He said that the army has also sought the opinion of political parties.

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Army Chief General Munir made it clear that any attempt to disrupt the peace of the nation will be responded to with decisive and heavy force.

The army chief said, "The enemy may try to sow discord and fear, but we will not be deterred.

The enemy elements will be dealt with an iron fist. They will continue to suffer heavy losses, and their ability to inflict harm will be destroyed."

He also praised the extraordinary courage of the soldiers, who remained steadfast in their resolve to protect the nation's sovereignty and reiterated that the armed forces and law enforcement agencies are committed to their mission to protect Pakistan and its people.

These statements by the Pakistan army chief have come at a time when there has been a sharp increase in terrorism-related incidents, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.