Pakistan willing to negotiate with surrendering militants, Gilani says

LAHORE – The Pakistani government is ready to talk to militans who are willing to decommission themselves, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani told reporters in Lahore October 2.

“We want to give peace a chance now,” Gilani said. “The national interest is above everything; we will give people a chance to reconcile.”


Gilani said the three D's (Dialogue, Development and Deterrence) policy of the present government is always adhered to and, as per this principle, dialogue was held with Maulana Fazlullah – leader of the Swat militants. Only when he backed out of the agreement was a military operation exercised.


The reconciliation process with the Taliban is ongoing in Afghanistan, Gilani said, noting that “they are just Taliban, without any debate on whether they are good or bad.”

He rejected Afghanistan’s allegations of Pakistan’s alleged involvement in the assassination of Burhanuddin Rabbani, chief of the High Peace Council, and stressed that only unity against the common enemy (terrorists) could ensure victory for both countries.

“Pakistan had great significance in the region owing to its geographical location,” he said, adding Pakistan believed that a stable Afghanistan was in favour of Pakistan and stability here would also suit Afghanistan.

“There are some common enemies who want to see instability in both parts of the region. But I am ready to offer all kind of co-operation to the Afghan president to counter this common foe,” Gilani said.

Gilani called on Afghan President Hamid Karzai to beware of common enemies and join hands for durable peace in the region.

“Certain forces are at work to destabilise Afghanistan and Karzai should not play into their hands. Instead we should be united to foil their machinations,” he said.

Gilani said peace, prosperity, sovereignty, Afghan stability are the priorities of the Pakistani government.

The Foreign Office spokesperson said Pakistan has unequivocally condemned Rabbani’s assassination. Pakistan reiterates its commitment to peace and stability as well as to mutual respect.

The Afghan Foreign Ministry also has emphasized on Pakistan key role in Afghan reconciliation efforts and relations between Kabul and Islamabad should not go murky.

Addressing a press conference, Foreign Affairs Spokesman Janan Mousazai urged Pakistan to step up measures in the fight against terrorism.

“Pakistan has a fundamental role in the Afghan reconciliation process, bringing peace and ensuring security in Afghanistan, so our relationship with Pakistan is very important,” Mousazai said.

He also denied reports that Gilani will not attend the second Pak-Afghan Joint Commission summit in Kabul, tentatively scheduled for later this month.