Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has said that the constitutional option was exercised in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa not for political purposes, but because of a lack of cooperation in taking effective action against terrorism. He said the federal government has no political agenda and will remain in the province until terrorism is eliminated.
Speaking to the media, Talal Chaudhry said terrorism was no longer just a problem for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but had become an issue for the entire country. He said neither businesses could operate nor could the country progress in the presence of this menace, making its elimination essential.
The Federal Government Tried Every Option
The minister of state said the federal government had tried every possible approach to address terrorism over the past two to two-and-a-half years. He said the demands made by both chief ministers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been met. However, he questioned what other option remained if terrorists were not openly identified as terrorists and comprehensive action was not taken against them.
He said that even during negotiations, efforts were made to accommodate political demands on the prime minister’s instructions. During the second phase of negotiations, the prime minister had directed the interior minister to provide whatever was being demanded politically.
Regret Over Lack of Political Consensus
Talal Chaudhry said the process of launching Charter of Democracy 2 was about to begin, but the relevant parties did not pay attention to it. He said it was another failure of politicians that they could not develop a consensus on an issue of national interest.
He said the government had adopted a constitutional course of action that would not be easy for any political party to use. However, he maintained that the purpose of the move was not to gain political advantage but to eliminate terrorism.
Wanted Individuals Will Be Arrested
The minister of state for interior made it clear that individuals declared wanted in cases would be arrested or dealt with under the relevant legal proceedings. He said there was no intention to detain or confine anyone otherwise.
He said the federal government was disappointed that sufficient progress had not been made in improving conditions in certain areas. According to him, children in some districts had been unable to attend school, while travelling along roads had also become difficult in certain areas.
The Move Is Not Against Pashtuns
Talal Chaudhry said the use of the constitutional option in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was neither against the province nor against Pashtuns. Rather, he said, it was a step taken in Pakistan’s interest.
He categorically stated that the federal government did not want to remain in the province longer than necessary. However, its presence would continue until terrorism was eliminated.
According to him, the government’s priority was not political interests but the establishment of law and order and the elimination of terrorism in the country.
Also Read: PTI members in touch with banned TTP, Mohsin Naqvi says
