Some issues need explanation before talks start: Nisar
03 February, 2014
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan on Sunday termed Taliban's announcement of dialogue committee a positive development, but said it still needs to be explained what is the mandate and powers of the committee and to what extent the Taliban would follow its decisions.
In a statement, the minister said that there were still some issues which needed to be explained before the dialogue starts formally.
"It is a matter of great satisfaction that both sides have announced their negotiating teams after many years and this reflects that both sides want to make peace through negotiations and dialogue."
He said the committee, announced by the government, has been given full mandate and authority to hold dialogue. He said the government would decide its way forward and announce its decision after consultation with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Nisar also thanked the clerics who had raised their voice for peace in the region and assured them to take forward the matters under their guidance. He also acknowledged the role of clerics for evolving a consensus between both sides for peace in the region, "ending the bloodshed going on for years".
He appealed to scholars from all schools of thought to get united and guide the government at this very critical stage of the country. He said that this is a "very complex process" and the political leadership as well as religious leaders have to play their role to make the peace process a success. Earlier, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan said that its Shura had agreed on Saturday to constitute a team which could easily meet the government team for peace talks.
"After lengthy deliberations the Shura agreed on constitution of (five-member) team," spokesman Shahidullah Shahid said in a statement he emailed to newspaper offices.
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