Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Tuesday said the decision to initiate process of dialogue with the Taliban was homemade and not taken under any foreign pressure or influence.
Addressing a news conference on Tuesday‚ he said all-parties conference’s (APC) resolution was an outcome of consensus not only among political leadership but also military leadership.
Nisar clarified that the attitude of military leadership encouraged political leaders to move towards consensus.
The interior minister said the message emanating from the APC was welcomed instantly by the Taliban‚ which augured well for peace.
“We want to free the country of the vicious cycle of bloodshed in the name of Islam and Pakistan,” Nisar said.
The minister maintained that both political parties and the media would be kept abreast of the progress as and when needed.
He said the framework of dialogue would be prepared by the government.
To a question‚ Nisar said efforts for peace and reconciliation were initiated soon after elections, but these were sabotaged by drone strikes.
He disclosed that contacts with certain people who are interested in bringing about peace in the region continued over the last two months, even after the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) withdrew its offer of dialogue, he added.
The interior minister said it would be their priority to address issues one by one and there was no quick fix solution.
To another question‚ the minister clarified that the army chief told political leaders that he was not aware of any understanding with the US on drone strikes.
He said the decision to hold dialogue was not taken to pave the way for military operation‚ adding that the entire leadership of the country sincerely wanted to resolve the issue through peaceful means.
On the Karachi action‚ Nisar said during the last four days‚ Rangers carried out 74 targeted raids, arresting 158 criminals involved in garget killing‚ extortion‚ kidnapping for ransom and terrorism and recovering 111 weapons.
He added that police was also carrying out targeted action against criminals not covered under the four categories being taken care of by Rangers.
The minister said some of those arrested were disclosing their affiliation with some political parties and the intelligence reports confirmed their statements.