PESHAWAR, June 19: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain has said that terrorists are facing internal differences so they will be unable to complete their anti-state agenda.
He said that government was ready to hold talks with militants for establishment of durable peace in the country as it was essential for development and progress.
However, he added that strict action would be taken against them if they refused to hold negotiations and challenged the writ of the government.
“We have two options -- either to launch a clean up operation against militants or face worse situation than the past,” the minister said.
He was addressing the inauguration ceremony of Da Aman Awaz, a community radio programme of Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), and anniversary of Sabawoon programme at Peshawar Press Club on Tuesday.
He said that programmes like Sabawoon and Da Aman Awaz were meant for social reforms and public awareness.
“The voice for tolerance and peace should be raised through Da Aman Awaz to present a true picture of Pakhtun culture. Radio programmes should contain authentic and unbiased information,” the minister said.
On behalf of the government, he assured CRSS of any possible help.
Mr Hussain said that CRSS was contributing in peace building in the society and providing quality programme in shape of Sabawoon. “The coming era is an era of radio,” he claimed.
He said that peace loving people were their friends but those, who were disturbing peace, would be dealt with an iron hand.
Addressing on the occasion, social activist Dr Begum Jan said that role of women was very important in a society. She added that radio could play an important role in amelioration of Pakhtun women.
She said that tribal region had been neglected by both democratic and military governments since the creation of the country. “That’s why economic situation is the worst in Fata,” she added.
Abaseen Yousafzai said that Pakhtun was a talented nation but owing to lack of education and sincere leadership it had lost direction.
Earlier, the audience while commenting on different issues being faced by Pakhtuns lauded the positive role of community radio stations.
Dr Raj Wali Shah Khattak, Imtiaz Gul, Asif Orakzai and Shams Mohmand also spoke on the occasion.