DCC approves conditional talks offer to Taliban

• Government willing to talk to militants if they put down weapons
• Warns of use of force if attacks continue
• Deplores Indian agitation along LoC
• Pakistan to persist with seeking peaceful settlement of issues

The Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) on Thursday made a conditional talks’ offer to the militants, making it clear that dialogue for peace with them would be held only if they were willing and ready to lay down arms.

The conditional offer to the militants engaged in terrorist activities in Pakistani tribal regions and other parts of the country was made during the DCC meeting that was held with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the chair.

According to sources privy to high-level consultations on peace and security, the DCC cautioned that force could be used against militants in case they did not disarm.

The other important issue on DCC’s agenda was rising tension with nuclear neighbour India along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir.

The persistent violation of LoC ceasefire by the Indian Army was discussed in detail by the DCC, the sources said, adding that ceasefire violations and killing and injuring of Pakistani soldiers as a result of Indian firing was deplored but was decided that Pakistan would continue to strive for peace with India through peaceful means.

This was the first DCC meeting since the new government took office in June 2013.

During the meeting, the reconstitution of the DCC into a Cabinet Committee on National Security (CCNS) was approved.

“The CCNS will be chaired by the prime minister and would include ministers of foreign affairs, defence, interior and finance, the JCSC chairman and chiefs of staff of the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force,” an official statement issued by the PM Office said.

“The committee will focus on the national security agenda with an aim to formulate a national security policy that will become the guiding framework for its subsidiary policies – defence policy, foreign policy, internal security policy, and other policies affecting national security,” the statement said.

In his opening remarks, the prime minister highlighted that Pakistan was facing formidable challenges domestically, while far-reaching developments were taking place in the region. “The DCC provided the platform to deliberate on these issues and craft an appropriate response,” he said.

Presentations were made by the adviser to the prime minister on National Security and foreign affairs, foreign secretary and director general military operations. (DGMO).

In the context of regional peace and stability, the DCC deliberated in detail on the evolving situation in Afghanistan. It was emphasized that a peaceful, stable and united Afghanistan was in Pakistan’s vital interest and would contribute positively to peace and security as well as progress and prosperity in the region.

The participants of meeting observed that Pakistan would fully support the international community’s efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and it would also work to comprehensively upgrade its bilateral relations with Afghanistan in all dimensions.

The DCC received a briefing on the situation along the LoC, and took note of the continued violations of the ceasefire. Pakistan’s policy of restraint and responsibility was highlighted.

The committee condemned in the strongest terms the unprovoked firing in the Shaqma Sector which resulted in the death of Captain Sarfraz and offered prayers for the deceased.

It was strongly emphasized that the ceasefire should be maintained in letter and spirit and all military and diplomatic channels should be used to prevent ceasefire violations.

It was emphasized that Pakistan would also continue to seek dialogue and resolution of all outstanding issues with India peacefully.

The meeting was attended by ministers for finance, information and interior, adviser to the prime minister on national security and foreign affairs, special assistant to the prime minister for foreign affairs, chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, chief of army staff, chief of air staff and chief of naval staff.