PESHAWAR: Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir on Monday ruled out the re-initiation of dialogue with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, saying they had no option but to submit to the writ of state, or they would be decimated.
Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns over the use of Afghan soil by militants for cross-border terrorism and an uptick in terror activities, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, has been witnessed after the banned outfit called off a ceasefire in November 2022.
The army chief also called on the interim Afghan government to respect the Doha agreement and not let Afghan soil be used against any other country.
“The surge in terrorism in recent past is a futile effort on the part of terrorists to get the talks re-initiated,” Gen Munir said, adding: “There is no option for these terrorists except to submit to the writ of state of Pakistan before they are decimated, if they persist on their wrong path.”
According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief made these remarks following a meeting with elders from the recently-merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in the provincial capital.
The ceasefire was agreed upon during talks between Pakistani officials and the banned outfit in June 2022 during the second round of talks in May 2022. Talks first started in October 2021, but broke down after a month.
However, on Monday, Gen Munir ruled out the possibility of re-engaging with the banned TTP, saying that Pakistan was concerned over the sanctuaries available to the banned outfits and the liberty of action they enjoy on Afghan soil.
He also said that propaganda by inimical forces against the armed forces of Pakistan would be dealt with as per the law.
During his meeting with tribal elders, Gen Munir emphasised the potential of newly merged districts and ongoing efforts in uplifting the socio-economic growth under the umbrella of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
He stated that KP was blessed with huge reserves of mines and minerals with beautiful areas for tourism which would certainly change the destiny of the area.
“The Pakistan Army stands with our tribal brothers and will never leave them alone as over the years they have given innumerable sacrifices for the peace and prosperity of the motherland. It’s time to develop all tribal areas and concentrate on youth”, the army chief remarked.
He reiterated the resolve of Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and other Law Enforcement Agencies in their fight against terrorism, till elimination of the menace of militancy from the country and showed resolve to finish peril of Narco which was becoming lifeline for these the banned TTP.
Gen Munir also paid tribute to the sacrifices rendered by brave and resilient tribesmen and appreciated their indomitable resolve for standing shoulder to shoulder with the security forces in defeating menace of terrorism.
During the meeting, the tribal elders assured that the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its ideology would never be acceptable to any tribe and they would continue to stand with the state during the thick and thin.
In his visit to Peshawar, the army chief also laid a floral wreath at the Yaadgar-e-Shuhada at Bala Hisar Fort.
Paying tribute to brave tribesmen, officers and soldiers of Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, Levies, Khasadars and Police, Gen Munir vowed that sacrifices of Shuhada would not go in vain and complete peace would return.
Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2023
