APC supports grand jirga for promoting peace in FATA, KP

ISLAMABAD: The All Parties Conference (APC) organized by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Malauna Fazlur Rehman (JUI-F) has issued a declaration which backs efforts of the grand jirga for promoting peace in FATA and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A grand jirga headed by the leaders of the parties involved in APC will begin negotiations with concerned parties and the number of members in the existing grand jirga will be increased to include all stakeholders.

According to the declaration, practical measures should be taken to eliminate terrorism and a trust should be established for the families of the victims of terror.

The APC has made it clear that the current and upcoming government will be responsible for implementation of the APC decision.

At the end of the APC, Fazlur Rehman held a news conference where he informed reporters that the grand jirga would be meeting with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor on Friday.

Earlier during the APC, representatives of political parties stressed that a positive response should be given to the Taliban’s offer of peace talks.

PML-N president Nawaz Sharif said that peace is achieved through dialogue not war. Nawaz stressed that the issue of saving Pakistan was on the top of his priority list. Maulana Fazlur Rehman stated that the law and order situation was disappointing but this should not be a deterrent.

PPP president Makhdoom Amin Fahim said all efforts for peace would be supported adding that a decision should be made which is within the writ of the government, law and constitution. “The PPP itself is a victim of terrorism.”

JI Ameer, Syed Munawar Hasan addressing the conference said a positive response from the government regarding the Taliban’s offer for peace talks had not come forward. Meanwhile Aftab Sherpao said talks should be held after the Taliban lay down their arms.

Dr Farooq Sattar from the MQM said peace in Karachi and Balochistan was tied to FATA and there was a need to unite on the national agenda.