ISLAMABAD: The government on Friday dismissed as baseless Imran Khan’s remarks about the capacity of the Pakistan Army to fight terrorism.

The opposition in the upper house of parliament had been seeking explanation from the government for three days over the PTI leader’s claim that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had quoted the army chief in his presence as saying that the chances of success of a military operation against militants were less than 40 per cent.

The issue was raised by PPP senator Mian Raza Rabbani who termed Mr Khan’s outburst as tantamount to demoralising the army and the nation and sought to know if a contact had been established with the prime minister, who is on a visit to Turkey, to verify Mr Khan’s statement.

Raja Zafarul Haq, Leader of House in the Senate, informed the members that on the basis of information gathered he had reached the conclusion that Imran Khan had misunderstood the remarks made during a meeting he attended along with the prime minister, the then army chief and ISI chief before an 'all-party conference’ on Sept 9.

He said a specific question had been asked during the meeting held at the request of the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf about the possible outcome of a military offensive against militants, and the response was that terrorism was expected to immediately decline by 40pc if an operation was launched, but talks must be given a chance to restore peace.

“Imran Khan appears to have misunderstood the words and his claim about the army’s capacity was baseless,” Mr Haq said. The entire nation was with the army for the sake of peace, he added.

Kamil Ali Agha of PML-Q expressed concern over remarks reportedly made by the prime minister saying the Taliban had held out the assurance that they would take action against those carrying out terrorist attacks during peace talks. Mr Agha said it was just like giving the status of a state to a terrorist group and urged the prime minister to explain his remarks.

Mr Agha said the government had not taken the issue of terrorism seriously and even seven months after coming to power it had no clear strategy how to deal with the menace.

Former interior minister Rehman Malik said that Taliban’s intentions had always been doubtful. It is difficult to believe that people claiming to be representatives of the Taliban are genuine. He said Ehsanullah Ehsan was not a real name and nobody knew who Shahidullah Shahid was – a Pakistani or an Afghan?

Mr Malik suggested formation of a parliamentary committee to review the present situation.

Zahid Khan of the Awami National Party criticised Imran Khan for what he called his warning that an operation against militants would ruin the country. He said the PTI chief appeared to be playing the role of a Taliban’s spokesperson.

Speaking on the issue, Aitzaz Ahsan of PPP said that members should be informed when the prime minister would appear in the house to explain his position.

“We will stage a walkout from the house if we do not get the answer,” he warned. But before Mr Ahsan could say anything more, Chairman Nayyar Hussain Bokhari adjourned the house to meet again on Monday at 3pm.