Pakistan sets conditions for talks with militants

PAKISTAN: Pakistan on Thursday set up three conditions for possible talks with the militants in the country, saying military action is not the only way to wipe out terrorism and extremism.

“Political engagement is an essential part of this policy but it is possible only with those who renounce militancy and violence, do not allow the use of Pakistan’s territory against any other country and do not help foreign terrorist elements to find hideouts in our territory,” Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Sadiq told a regular news briefing.

The new Pakistani government, since took office in March, has taken a multi-pronged approach to deal with terrorism and extremism, which includes political, socio-economic and military elements.

According to local media, the Pakistani government has agreed to hold talks with militant groups in the northwestern tribal region if compromise could be reached.

“The government believes that military action alone will not be effective in permanently ending the menace of terrorism,” said Sadiq.

But Sadiq ruled out the possibilities to give up military actions against those hard-line militants.

Islamabad, Friday, Xinhua