ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan appears to have adopted a less conciliatory attitude towards armed militants, although he does not single out any militant organisation currently attacking government forces in tribal areas.

Whether it is because of the killing of over 80 people in Sunday’s suicide blasts at the Peshawar church or of two senior military officers last week, Mr Khan is now somewhat toughening his stance against militancy.

A statement of Mr Khan issued by the PTI media wing on Monday said: “Those who carried out the attack against the Christian community and their church in Peshawar are to be condemned in the strongest terms possible.”

A strong proponent of talks with the militants fighting law-enforcement agencies in Fata and the PTI-ruled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mr Khan said talks could be held only with those who were willing to renounce violence and accept the writ of the state.

“If peace is to be given a chance, then it is essential to isolate those who are dedicated to an agenda of violence and to carrying out terror attacks against innocent people, from those who are prepared to have a ceasefire and talk peace within the ambit of the Constitution of Pakistan.”

Although he didn’t say it in so many words, the PTI chief implied that those unwilling to renounce violence should be taken head on and talks should be held only with who were willing to engage in dialogue.

“Absolutely no reasoning could justify the killing of even one innocent human, let alone attacking a whole community.”