Pakistani PM Seeks National Consensus To Curb Terrorism

Islamabad, Sept 10, IRNA – Pakistani Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, Monday told the country’s major political and religious leaders that a national consensus is needed to find out solution to the issue of terrorism and other major challenges. The PM had invited political and religious leaders to seek their proposals for a national security policy that will also include the option to hold talks with the Taliban militants. In his opening remarks, Nawaz Sharif, said priority should be given to dialogue with the Taliban to end bloodshed as terrorism has claimed over 40,000 lives. “Our problems are getting worst due to terrorism,” Sharif told the All Parties Conference, aired live by the state television. He urged the political leadership to join hands to overcome three major challenges being faced by the country including terrorism‚ economy and energy crisis, hoping that a national consensus would emerge. He assured the nation that the government with the help of all political forces will tackle all issues on war footing basis and hoped Pakistan will enter into a new era of development and prosperity. Sharif said peace is vital for not only economic revival of the country but also a peaceful transition through democratic way. Head of the country’s superior intelligence agency, ISI, Lt. Gen. Zaheeer-ul-Islam briefed the conference on the overall security situation and responded to questions from the participants. The Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani also attended the meeting. Interior Minister Ch. Nisar Ali Khan said the conference would come up with a consensus resolution at the end which will give a roadmap to the government as to how it should move forward to overcome terrorism and establish peace in the country./end