JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman has welcomed the Taliban talk offer, saying it a “right step in the right direction” for creating conducive atmosphere for negotiations.
According to JUI-F spokesman, Jan Achakzai, the cleric said the Taliban had shown flexibility despite the fact that their previous talk offers were not reciprocated by the previous government.
He said that at times of seeking suggestions for anti-terrorism strategy, talks with the Taliban should be important component of anti-terrorism strategy.
He urged the PML-N government to acknowledge the Taliban’s offer and reciprocate by explicit declaration that it wanted to genuinely engage the Taliban.
“If there is any external pressure on the government against talks with the Taliban, such pressure should be rejected. It does not make any sense when the US is engaged with the Afghan Taliban in Afghanistan and we shun talks,” he added.
He said that talks could not be conducted by an individual or a party. “There is already a local conflict mechanism established, jirga, and seconded by national political leadership, so it should be strengthened to start negotiations.”
He said that all state institutions should give serious talks a chance and extend fullest support so as to resolve issues with lesser sacrifices.
