ISLAMABAD: The National Security Committee on Tuesday decided to hold talks with the Taliban as the first option to eliminate terrorism from the country, while other options will be used as a last resort to wipe out terrorism.
A meeting of cabinet committee on national security was held in Islamabad on Tuesday with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the chair that focused on key issues of formulation of national security strategy to safeguard national interests, strategy on Internal Security and relations with Afghanistan.
During the meeting, the committee agreed that the economic development and prosperity of the people of Pakistan depends upon ensuring security and stability of the country. The committee members were completely unanimous on national security issues.
The committee agreed on a number of measures concerning enhancement of security on western border‚ development of FATA and other bordering areas to bring them at par with national standards.
The cabinet committee directed the concerned ministries to take measures to facilitate regional peace and stability.
The committee deliberated upon the government’s strategy to engage various groups of Pakistani Taliban to address issues of extremism and militancy. It reaffirmed government’s commitment to the strategy of negotiations with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and considered the use of other options only as a last resort.
Moreover, it was agreed to continue back channel diplomacy with India. The committee decided to formulate a mechanisms for bilateral talks aimed at normalising relations with India.
It was also decided to continue targeted operation in Karachi and to publicize identity and political affiliations of all those arrested during Karachi operation.
The cabinet committee also decided that efforts will be made to improve relations with Afghanistan. It was decided that Pakistan will continue its cooperation to promote national reconciliation in Afghanistan.
The meeting also decided to beef up security on Western borders to curb movement of criminals.
The advisor to the prime minister on foreign affairs and national security Sartaj Aziz‚ Federal Ministers Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan‚ Pervaiz Rashid‚ Khawaja Muhammad Asif‚ Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee‚ heads of three armed forces‚ and Directors General ISI and Intelligence Bureau attended the meeting.
