A surprise, against the run of events and rhetoric
Mian Nawaz Sharif has once again opted for talks with the militants. As he spoke on the floor of the National Assembly, he tried to appease the opponents of talks by condemning the acts of terror by the militants. Instead of referring to them as ‘misguided people’, this time round they were referred to as terrorists who were told that the attacks could no more be tolerated. At a meeting of the PML-N parliamentary committee convened to discuss the matter only days before, the majority of speakers had favored the use of force against the TTP. On Tuesday, the prime minister had met the COAS for a second time in a week. The government sources were meanwhile telling the media that a decision had been taken to launch an operation. While speaking at the School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, DC Sartaj Aziz said the government would use force against all foreign terrorists. The Punjab Home Minister Rana Sanaullah had told The Guardian that military operations would be launched but the army would be left to decide exactly what form it would take. The decision to give talks another chance therefore comes as a surprise.
Nawaz Sharif was expected to take the House into confidence over the attempts made so far to hold talks and why they failed to produce the results. This was not done. Sharif was reluctant to give any details regarding the new initiative though unlike the past he disclosed the names of the four members of the negotiating committee. Important questions about the working of the committee remain unanswered.
There was no word about the mandate given to the committee. That it would be assisted by Ch Nisar and its activity supervised by the prime minister however indicates that the committee would serve as a mail box or a medium for indirect talks between the TTP on one end and the government on the other. The only demand made from the TTP by Sharif was that it must stop the acts of terror as terrorism and talks could not continue simultaneously. As the PM proceeded to the Parliament House, three attacks were launched on the Rangers in Karachi resulting in the killing of four. Later in the afternoon a bomb exploded in Hangu killing at least one. This does not bode well for the talks. Another question is whether the government would continue the Karachi operation aimed at nabbing the militants or suspend it in the name of talks. And what would be its response if the TTP or its affiliates continue the attacks while expressing ignorance about the perpetrators? The decision to give talks another try puts a heavy burden of responsibility on the prime minister. Sharif has to ensure that the TTP agrees to accept the constitution as it stands without any ifs and buts and abide by the law of the land.