Fazl asks government why Taliban talks hitting snags?

PESHAWAR: Chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman Sunday said that if there was a consensus among the stakeholders of the government on holding a peace dialogue with Taliban then what was holding them back, Geo News reported.

"If the government was so ready to negotiate peace with Taliban militants then it should not drag heels on it", said Fazl addressing a rally here.

He warned the government against the engagement of brute force to put an end to terrorism.

“Military operations only act as fuel to the fire of terrorism. I propose that an all-parties-jirga should devise a strategy against terrorism”, Maulana said.

Going ahead, JUI-F leader also accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of hypocrisy.

"PTI is a two-faced double-speaking political party. Their internal and external policies are inconsistent."

He said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was under the sway of non-government organizations (NGOs) representing West’s agenda.

"The agents of American and Zionist lobbies are propagating the culture of immodesty", Fazl added.

He said Islam had given a complete way of life while the West was trying hard against Islamic culture and norms.

"Certain elements are out to sabotage peace in the region besides destabilizing the democratic setup in Pakistan", said he.

He alleged that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had failed to maintain peace which was its responsibility.

"It should take concrete steps to combat terrorists", Fazl said.

There was no writ of the government in the province he said citing increased cases of extortion in Peshawar.

"On one hand, certain people are chanting slogans against the United States and on the other extending support to it", he added.

He said due to rising inflation the common people were facing extreme hardships.