NOWSHERA: Frustrated by what he claimed was lack of seriousness and response from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Maulana Samiul Haq said on Wednesday he was detaching himself from the peace process with Pakistani militants.

In a statement, the Maulana from Akora Khattak said that he had agreed to initiate the peace process following his meeting with the prime minister last month to prevent the loss of innocent lives.

He claimed that within two days of his initiating the process and contacts, he had received from the militants a positive and encouraging response for a “strong, purposeful and sustainable” dialogue.

Samiul Haq said he had communicated the militants’ response to the prime minister and waited for further course of action.

“Regrettably, despite repeated contacts, through email[s] and a communication hand-delivered through a responsible officer, there was complete hush,” the maulana, known as the father of the Taliban, said.

The chief of his own faction of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam said he avoided releasing the contents of the letter sent to the prime minister to preempt any internal and external pressure. In the meanwhile, he added, he received a message that two representatives had been named to get in touch with him on behalf of the federal government.

“On the same day, I called for a ceasefire,” he pointed out. “But the very next day, all of a sudden bombing began in North Waziristan, Tirah and the tribal areas.”

Certainly the loss suffered by army jawans is also a national tragedy. Both sides are in a state of war, innocent citizens and soldiers are dying, yet launching of military operation is not the answer, he said.

In such circumstances, the maulana said, he wanted to detach himself from the negotiating process.

Opinion

Editorial

Out of control
Updated 19 Feb, 2025

Out of control

AS bodies continue to fall in Kurram despite a state-sanctioned ceasefire, one wonders how long local militants’...
Hollow words
19 Feb, 2025

Hollow words

IT is not uncommon for politicians to resort to the use of hyperbole in order to boost their public standing. ...
Migration matters
19 Feb, 2025

Migration matters

THE grass, it seems, did appear greener on the other side to millions of people as evidenced by the latest UN ...
Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...