ISLAMABAD, Jan 31: Caretaker Minister for Interior Lt-Gen (retd) Hamid Nawaz Khan has asked political parties to take a ‘clear stand’ on the issue of terrorism.
In an interview with a private television channel on Thursday, he warned the parties against going soft on terrorists and extremists and said it could help such elements in regrouping and harming the country.
He said that terrorism was a national issue and all mainstream political parties must take a clear stand on it.
He said that some major political parties had been reluctant in declaring their strategy to counter terrorism during their election campaigns, adding that they had not proposed any measure to eradicate the menace if voted into power.
“Political parties should convey their clear stance on terrorism,” he said.
The minister underlined the need of keeping a strict check on facilitators of terrorists and extremists in the country. He said the involvement of foreign elements in terrorist activities could not be ruled out.
He urged ulema to play a role in creating awareness among the masses about the true spirit of Islam, which is a religion of peace and brotherhood and does not allow anybody to take lives of innocent people.
About the law and order situation in the NWFP and the tribal areas, he said the local people were cooperating with the government against militants. —APP
