Chief of the Awami National Party (ANP) Asfandyar Wali Khan on Tuesday said his party and its government was ready for peace talks with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
“Our first priority would still be negotiations if they (Taliban) accept the administrative writ of the government. But if all options are wasted, we will have to attack their sanctuaries with full force and all political parties would have to join hands with us. Operation would be the last resort,” Asfandyar said while talking to reporters after a detailed meeting of the ANP consultative body. The body expressed concern over the demise of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) senior minister Bashir Ahmad Bilour and urged all political forces, media houses and public opinion makers to unite against the terrorist mindset that wanted to impose its own agenda in the country.
“The ANP is waging a war for the survival of the country, therefore, it must be supported,” the ANP chief said. Federal Minister Ghulam Ahmad Bilour also attended the meeting for a short time but he, on behalf of his family, reaffirmed complete support to the ANP in its stance on terrorism and militancy.
Asfandyar said the meeting decided to establish contacts with all other parties and public opinion makers in a bid to chalk out a strategy for combating terrorism. In this respect, committees were established for holding talks and contacting other political leaders.
To a question, he said the ANP would not tolerate any delay or postponement of general election, as that would be a success for terrorists who wanted to sabotage the political and democratic process.
“The terrorist mindset is bent upon introduction of a system similar to the one Taliban introduced in Afghanistan,” Asfandyar added.
The ANP chief refused to answer a question on statements being passed by Pakistan People’s Party KP President Anwar Saifullah. Earlier, Asfandyar said the committee had recommended appointment of Haroon Bilour, elder son of Bashir Ahmed Bilour, as a special adviser to the KP chief minister.
A statement by the ANP said Tuesday’s meeting agreed that the party should express zero tolerance towards violations of the country’s sovereignty and integrity. “We are opposed to drone strikes and have raised our voice against it. However, we also oppose terrorists within the country and those from other countries who have carved out sanctuaries on our soil,” said a statement from ANP’s media cell.
“The ANP supports negotiations with all those elements that recognise the writ of the state and renounce violence. Those who are not prepared to do it should face effective and meaningful actions,” said the statement.
‘Willing to sit down with Taliban’
