Only if they accept the law of the land
That political parties have met to evolve a joint strategy to deal with the menace of terrorism is a matter of satisfaction. Some of these parties like the PPP, ANP, Qaumi Watan Party, PML-F and MQM have suffered from terrorist attacks. It is to be appreciated that they too were a part of the talks. What worries one is the absence of JI and PTI from the conference. Their refusal to participate is likely to be interpreted as indicative of bias for the Taliban. To maintain that it is somewhat late to hold talks on the policy would convince few. The presence of 27 parties, including the ruling PPP and the major opposition party PML-N, is in itself a guarantee that whatever government is formed after the elections would be morally bound to own and pursue the policy devised at the moot.
Talks can only succeed if a minimum agreement can be reached on the basic issues. All political parties operating in Pakistan agree on the 1973 constitution in its present form along with the social, political, and judicial system enshrined in it. There is a consensus among them that any improvements introduced in it have to come through peaceful means in the way outlined in the basic law. Any recourse to force as a tool for bringing change is unacceptable because this leads to continuous strife in society. The constitution envisages a democratic polity resting on division of power between the executive, legislature and judiciary and well defined basic rights. The Swat agreement with the militants collapsed because the TTP rejected the constitution and announced to change the system in the country through the use of force. To ensure the success of the talks it is imperative that the militants put an end to terror attacks. It is equally important to tell the militants plainly that Pakistan is a responsible and peaceful state which recognises international laws. It soil, therefore, will not be allowed be used as a launching pad against other countries on any excuse or under any slogan.
An agreement reached on these basic issues and followed in letter and spirit will bring permanent peace. Once it has been brokered, the militants can form their own political party or join one of the existing parties. They cannot however be allowed to benefit from the freedoms ensured by democracy while simultaneously pursuing militant activities. Talks should be plain and without any simulation or dissimulation. The decision taken by the APC for negotiations with those Taliban who are ready to accept the constitution and law of the land thus appears to be quite reasonable.
