LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has said that it will support the army operation if the Taliban refuse to announce an unconditional ceasefire.

The announcement came at a peace procession organised by the students’ wing of the party here on Sunday.

The participants, some of them on foot and others on motorbikes and cars, went from Ichhra to Shama Chowk through Ferozepur Road. They were led by Ejaz Chaudhry, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Leader of Opposition in Punjab Assembly Mahmoodur Rashid and Aleem Khan.

Carrying placards, banners and party flags, they called upon the government to quit the US-led ‘war on terror’ to restore peace in the country.

They also asked the Taliban to stop attacks on Frontier Corps and police.

Addressing the participants, Mr Chaudhry reiterated chairman Imran Khan’s demand that the Taliban must announce an unconditional ceasefire.

Mr Rashid advised the Taliban not to construe the offer for dialogue as a sign of weakness (of the state) and warned that if they did not stop attacking the army, the forces would have the right to counter-attack in its defence.

The party’s provincial information secretary, Andleeb Abbas, said if the Taliban were serious about the dialogue they should agree to a ceasefire and ensure that other groups abided by it.

She said the PTI stood by the army, FC and police and would not tolerate a single incident of terrorism against them.

Dr Yasmin condemned the killing of armymen and innocent women and children in terrorist attacks.

Pigeons and balloons were released and the participants recited the national anthem before dispersing.