New beginning with Taliban is unfolding: Fazl

ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that confidence building measures have caused a new beginning with Taliban while the government and the militia need to sustain conducive environment.

In a statement issued here by his spokesperson, Jan Achakzai, the maulana said that exchange of prisoners with the Taliban and the relative lull in violent activities are sight of new confidence building measures prior to formal engagement with the Taliban.

"Now the test is how deep and sustainable is the political will of both the civilian and military establishment in engaging the Taliban and carrying the process to its logical end as there will be many hiccups and spoilers along the way," he added.

He also expressed concern over political satiation of Karachi, adding that operation should not be made hostage to political pressures.

The maulana said that the MQM's grievance regarding non-formation of a political committee as agreed in Karachi APC, is genuine.

He also called for expediting political efforts in Balochistan so as to implement the decision of APC regarding engagement with militants.