PM reiterates talks with Taliban should be held in accordance to constitution (Updated)

  • March 18, 2014, 7:37 pm
  • National News
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ISLAMABAD March 18 (Online): Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday expressing satisfaction over the current progress on talks with Taliban has reiterated that talks with the Taliban should be held in accordance with the Constitution

According to sources he expressed these views while presiding over a high-level meeting and holding consultation with his cabinet and the military leadership on various issues of national security including the ongoing negotiation with Taliban militants.

The meeting was attended by chief ministers of all four provinces, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, and DG ISI Lt. General Zaheer-ul-Islam, in addition to the cabinet members.

In the meeting, Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan briefed the high-ups over country’s internal security, Pak-Afghan border and LoC security situation, the negotiation process with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Taliban and other internal security matters.

According to sources, federal interior minister and DG ISI took the meeting into confidence over issues concerning the country’s internal security, including talks with Taliban.

Prime Minister said the federal government will extend all resources to the provinces to implement national security policy for eliminating terrorism.

The Prime Minister said that it is the high time to take final decision to overcome this menace and bring peace to the country.

He also said that Taliban should deal with groups opposing the dialogue process on their own.

PM Sharif reiterated that talks with the Taliban should be held in accordance with the Constitution.

PM Sharif furthermore expressed satisfaction regarding the current progress on peace talks with the Taliban.

Issues related with National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) and newly-raised Quick Response Force (QRF) were also discussed in the meeting.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif approved formation of Rapid Response Force (RRF) to curb terrorism in the country.

The prime minister also okayed establishment of National Intelligence Directorate under the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).

Formation of the directorate is aimed at strengthening coordination between federal government and the four provinces.

The PM also ordered set up of high security jails in four provinces.

Nawaz Sharif, in the meeting, urged federal and provincial governments to work jointly to curb the threat of terrorism and militancy.