Deal that freed envoy
MILITANTS in South Waziristan Agency Saturday set free Pakistan’s
envoy to Afghanistan Tariq Azizuddin after over three months of
captivity, bringing an end to the woes of the ambassador and his family
as well as people of Pakistan who were anxiously waiting for his safe
release.
Though Advisor on Interior Rehman Malik has tried to portray his release
as outcome of the efforts of the law enforcing agencies and swore no
deal was struck for the purpose yet statements by Taliban belie his
claims. As per Taliban sources, the envoy was release in exchange for 12
people including former Afghan Defence Minister and Deputy Taliban
leader Mullah Obaidullah. We have been pleading in these columns that
safe, secure and early release of the ambassador should be the priority
and the authorities should go to any extent in achieving that end. At
times, one has to make compromises for a noble cause and even if it was
a deal the safe release of Tariq Azizuddin is a welcome development.
However, this shows that Taliban have a formidable presence in the area
and they are capable enough to dictate their terms to the Government.
Earlier too, the authorities were forced to set free about 25 hard core
militants in exchange for release of 200 troops of Pakistan Army. Under
the accord inked then, the Government also agreed to the demand of
Baitullah Mehsud to pull back troops from the area of the Mehsud tribe.
While appreciating the recent peace initiative of the NWFP and the
Federal Government, we hope steps would also be taken to bring these
secluded areas into mainstream as part of the long-term strategy to
ensure sustainable peace in the region. |