May 23, 2008	Friday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 17, 1429

PESHAWAR, May 22: NWFP Minister for Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain has said that centre should take on board the provincial government in peace talks with militants in the tribal areas.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, he said that provincial government had formally conveyed to the federal government to expedite the peace process in Fata and include its coalition partner in NWFP in talks with Taliban. He said that details of the peace agreements being signed in South Waziristan and other areas of Fata should be made public.

He termed Swat peace agreement a milestone for long-lasting peace and said that they were confident that local Taliban would extend a helping hand to the government for restoration of peace.

He claimed that peace agreements signed with Maulana Fazlullah and Sufi Mohammad would have far-reaching results and help in restoration of lasting peace in the province and its adjacent tribal areas.

“Let us give peace a chance. Our three generations have suffered due to war,” said Mian Iftikhar and appealed to international community to help provincial government restore peace and provide prosperous future to the young generation.

He said that peace agreements would put positive impact on Afghanistan and international community would admit its significance.

When asked about the US and Afghanistan’s reservations on the agreement with Maulana Fazlullah, the minister said Swat position was totally different and they should not worry about it.

“Our neighbours and international community should be optimistic about the results of these agreements,” he observed, adding that media and civil society should highlight positive aspects of the deal.

He said that Awami National Party was always against use of force and interference in other’s internal affairs.

“This can be last chance for peace and we should not miss this opportunity,” he cautioned. Mian Iftikhar said that provincial government would implement Sharia in Swat district and release all innocent people arrested during the military operation.

He said that Swat agreement was different from the previous agreements signed between the centre and militants in the tribal areas.

He said that agreement with Maulana Fazlullah called for ban on display of weapons, elimination of militancy, opening of schools, vaccination and girls’ education.

About timeframe for withdrawal of troops from Swat, he said that government would take out forces when law and order improved.

Even the provincial government would also request centre to pull out troops from Fata when government’s writ was established, he said.

He said that agreement had taken away all the hindrances and would lead to the beginning of a new epoch of progress and prosperity.

“Being the followers of Bacha Khan we do believe in non-violence and will keep on striving to help overcome all the problems through negotiations,” he said.