PM chairs high-level meeting on security, TTP talks

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Tuesday that the time had come for decisive action while adding that resources would be provided to all four provinces for implementation of the country’s internal security policy, DawnNews reported. PM Sharif was chairing a high-level meeting which focused on the country’s security situation and also reviewed the situation relating to negotiations with the Pakistani Taliban. The meeting was attended by Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Zaheer ul Islam, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and the four provincial chief ministers. The meeting focused on the overall security situation of the country, particularly negotiations with banned militant organisation Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Also read: TTP wants ‘free peace zone’ for talks Meanwhile, Interior Minister Nisar gave the meeting a briefing of the country’s security situation. Whereas, PM Sharif reiterated that talks with the Taliban should be held in accordance with the Constitution. He also said that Taliban should deal with groups opposing the dialogue process on their own. PM Sharif furthermore expressed satisfaction regarding the current progress on peace talks with the Taliban. The ongoing peace talks between the government and Taliban struck an impasse last month after the Taliban-linked militants murdered 23 kidnapped Pakistani paramilitary soldiers. The killings resulted in multiple targeted airstrikes by the military against suspected hideouts in the tribal northwest bordering with Afghanistan. The Taliban then announced a one-month ceasefire which was reciprocated by the government which halted its airstrikes targeting militants and their hideouts. The dialogue process has entered its decisive stage now with the government announcing the formation of a new committee to mediate with the Taliban's negotiating committee.