A. Mohaimin Shah
The current government is in talks in granting pardon to one of the greatest enemies of the state -Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The revelation came during Prime Minister Imran Khan’s interview in TRT world. The Prime Minister clearly stated that they are in talks with the group and the talks are being held in Afghanistan, where the Afghan Taliban is helping in facilitating these talks.
The deal if successful would give amnesty to the extremists, hence granting them immunity and citizenship. During the interview, the Prime Minister did not clarify which groups will be granted amnesty whether it would be the whole network or the ones who did not resort to violence.
The decision of holding talks with the extremists was of-course made unilaterally and without the confidence of the opposition and parliament. It is a shame to even think about holding talks with the factions which have done nothing but bring harm to the state and its citizens.
Families of the victims still haven’t gotten over the trauma, especially the families of APS attack victims. Pakistan is still facing the brunt of US “war on terror” and thousands have been died in the process. The current strategy adopted by the state in tackling extremists is through use of force and military.
PM Imran Khan has from time and time stated that use of military is not the solution to the problem in dealing with terrorists, rather it is through negotiations and dialogue.
A similar approach of holding talks was made to close the deal and end the war in Afghanistan but the scenario showcasing Pakistan’s war with TTP is completely different. In the former phase, it was the Americans who invaded Afghanistan and the locals were fighting against the foreign invaders.
However, in the the latter phase it is the extremist groups which have repeatedly attacked within Pakistan’s borders and inciting fear and violence amongst its masses. If the military is not the solution, which is true in most regards then the government should not make decisions unilaterally but rather highlight this issue in the parliament.
Such issue will surely spark a debate in the assembly and will be showcased in media which might cause controversy in both International and domestic realm. Last but not least would be the reaction of the families of the victims who still haven’t moved on from losing their loved ones.
Pakistan has suffered greatly from terrorism and military solution is certainly not the answer but giving complete amnesty to those collaborators who have worked against the state is a low blow to the citizens of this country who had nothing to do with the war, yet has lost so much in return.
