DERA ISMAIL KHAN: PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Saturday urged the federal government to play the leading role by initiating talks with Taliban for rooting out terrorism, which had damaged peace in the country in general and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in particular.

The Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) chief was speaking to reporters here after meeting the family of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister Israrullah Gandapur, who was killed in a suicide attack at his residence on the first day of Eidul Azha.

Imran said it was the consensus opinion of the All Parties Conference (APC) that dialogue and not a military operation was the solution to the menace of terrorism.

He said PTI was not in favour of using force.

“No political government had ever exercised the option of dialogue and if the present government takes this step, then it should be given an opportunity to succeed,” he added.

He said if the United States was initiating dialogue with Taliban, then why should Pakistan not go for talks.

“We do not want war in the country and those who are in its favour, are criticizing us,” he said.

He said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had made a new security plan.

He said a question arose as to who was involved in terrorist activities as the Taliban had not accepted responsibility for the recent terror incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said Israrullah Gandapur was a decent leader, who would be missed. He eulogized his political services for the country and said he had lost a close friend. The vacuum created due to his death would hardly be overcome in days to come, he added.

Earlier, soon after arrival at the residence of slain KP minister in Kulachi tehsil, Imran Khan condoled Israrullah's death with his brother Inamullah Gandapur.