Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Wednesday said the government was ready to hold dialogue with the Taliban if they announce a ceasefire and appoint some sincere clerics to achieve purposeful results.
“If Taliban are sincere in holding talks, they should have announced a ceasefire and formed a jirga, comprising some serious and thoughtful people instead of nominating a person like Adnan Rashid,” he said. Malik was talking to reporters at a photographic competition organised by Islamabad Police to create awareness about traffic rules and regulations. He said that Taliban should know that people of Pakistan have seen their actual face and the nation would not forgive the crimes of killing innocent citizens.
“The nation has rejected Talibanisation. Taliban should announce ceasefire first to hold talks,” he said, adding that the overstayed Taliban in Pakistan were not set free rather they were deported. He opined that Waliur Rehman and Hakimullah Mehsud should know that Ehsanullah Ehsan is not loyal to them and they should remain careful. To a question about arrest of former Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority chairman Tauqir Sadiq, he said the government implemented all orders of the Supreme Court and would do the same in future as well. He said an officer of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) would hold talks with Dubai authorities to remove all legal complications. However, he said it would be better that Sadiq should voluntarily come to Pakistan and face the court of law. About verdict on the petition of Dr Tahirul Qadri, he termed the decision historic. This showed that nation wanted elections on time, he added. He emphasised that all constitutional institutions should join hands to promote democracy and democratic traditions in the country.
Malik praised Islamabad Police for arranging the photographic competition to create awareness and suggested holding of lectures in schools, colleges and universities to inform people about traffic rules. The Islamabad IG and other senior officers were also present.
