ISLAMABAD, Dec 15: The Taliban should show magnanimity and take the lead in arriving at some sort of consensus with the Northern Alliance for a broad-based government in Afghan-istan, the former interior minister, Maj-Gen (Rtd) Naseerullah Babar, said on Saturday.

In a statement, Mr Babar said a lot of blood had been shed in Afghanistan, and the country was devastated by continuing strife and violence. It was time that the wounds were healed through compassion and humanity, he said.

“The Madina Accord and the Hudaibiyah Peace Treaty in the days of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) are the shining examples of ending strife and violence, and making peace and reconciliation. The Taliban will do well to follow the underlying principles contained in these peace treaties.”

Mr Babar said in the Madina Accord, the Prophet made peace even with non-Muslims of Madina. In the Hudaibiyah Peace Treaty, the Prophet made peace even on terms which appeared unfavourable to the Muslims at that time, but, which were for the lasting benefit of Muslims, he added.

He also called on the international community to play its due role in rehabilitating the devastated Afghan people.

He said the West and the international community used Afghanistan and its people to contain the Communist threat.

“It is their moral duty not to leave Afghanistan alone after meeting the Communist threat by using Afghans as cannon fodder,” he added.