Will not accept terrorists' conditions for talks: COAS Kayani

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has emphasized that while it is understandable to give peace a chance through the political process, no one should have any misgivings “that we would let terrorists coerce us into accepting their terms.”

Army chief Kayani added the Pakistan Army had the capability and determination to fight terrorists and those responsible for the killing of officers would be brought to justice.

While reaffirming Army's support to the political process, the COAS also said, unequivocally, that terrorists will not be allowed to take advantage of it.

On Sunday, three military officers including two high-ranking officials of the Pakistan Army were killed in an IED blast in Upper Dir. The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack with spokesman Shahidullah Shahid setting terms for talks with the government.

The TTP spokesman demanded withdrawal of army from FATA and release of Taliban prisoners as a pre-condition for talks.