NSC decides to continue talks with Taliban

By
AFP
|
NSC decides to continue talks with Taliban
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chaired the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting attended by the country’s top civilian and military leadership.

During the meeting internal and external security issues including dialogue with the Taliban, relations with Afghanistan, India and Iran were discussed.

Reviewing dialogue with the Taliban in the wake of the militant organisation not extending the ceasefire, the NSC decided that the process should continue. The committee also decided to respond if the Taliban committed an act of terrorism.

The prime minister praised the NSC and said this was a forum where all state institutions could express their views.

The NSC decided that Pakistan would not be involved in any conflict and will pursue the path of development. A decision to improve relations with all neighbouring countries was also taken.

“The Committee endorsed the vision to put Pakistan on the crossroads of opportunity rather than conflict to spur growth for prosperity of the people,” a statement released by the PM House said.

DG ISI and DG IB briefed the meeting on the security situation in the country while a briefing by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar focused on Balochistan and dialogue with the Taliban.





The heads of the armed forces including Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Asif Sandeela, Chief of Air Force Tahir Rafiq, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Rashad Mahmood, Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (DG ISI) Lieutenant General Zaheerul Islam and Director General Intelligence Bureau (DG IB) Aftab Sultan were present in the meeting.

The government was represented by PM’s Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar and Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid.