ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to form a committee under Defence Minister Pervez Khattak to hold talks with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman who is set to hold the ‘Azadi March’ on October 31.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, while briefing media about the core committee meeting of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chaired by Imran Khan, said the party has decided to constitute a small political committee to hold dialogue with the JUI-F.
He said that the political party is fully capable and willing to deliver a political solution, adding that any talks with the JUI-F chief that has “political weightage” will be given consideration to find a solution.
“Defence Minister Pervez Khattak will lead a committee to hold negotiations with JUI-F to defuse political tension and restrain it from holding the Azadi March,” he added.
FM Qureshi reiterated that a political solution to the crisis must be sought, adding that they are novices in this matter, and governments cannot be sent packing with a political sit-in.
He said October 27 was a despicable day when Indian forces landed in Srinigar and occupied Kashmir. He said that Pakistan was fighting Kashmir’s case at international forums and striving hard to address the economic issues.
“Pakistan will continue its diplomatic support for their cause and raise the matter on all relevant forums. Kashmiris are looking towards Pakistan in this time of dire need. We should give a strong message to the world over Kashmir issue by showing unity,” he added.
The foreign minister said that the meeting has also decided to conduct local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab without delay. “The first phase of local government elections will start from February 2020. The government wants to solve grass-root issues at grass root levels,” he continued.
Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan presiding over a meeting in Islamabad and reviewed the overall law and order situation in the country. The meeting discussed the internal security situation of the country and measures for the protection of the lives and properties of the people.
During the meeting, the prime minister was of the opinion that there is no harm in holding talks with the JUI-F to reach a political solution. The committee under Khattak will decide whether to hold talks or proceed accordingly.
However, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has ruled out any possibility of talks with the government. He said negotiations can take place only after the prime minister resigns.
