THE country witnessed around 434 terror attacks on security forces during first six months of the current year, a report presented in upper house of Parliament shows.
According to details presented by the Interior Ministry, at least 323 soldiers of security forces and other institutions were martyred in these terror assaults.
The report claimed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) reported highest number of 247 militant attacks.
This indicates that terror threat is very much there. Over the years, our security personnel have rendered immense sacrifices in war on terror to restore peace and stability in the country.
The entire nation salutes their resilience and courage for standing firm to foil nefarious designs of the terrorists who in fact have no respect for humanity.
The report has been released at a time when Pakistan is holding negotiations with Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Most recently a delegation of religious leaders led by Mufti Taqi Usmani returned home from Afghanistan after talks with the outfit.
While the TTP released a two-page statement reiterating its demands and calls for an Islamic system in Pakistan, Mr Usmani in a tweet sounded optimistic that their meetings with the Afghan Taliban leadership were useful in strengthening relationship, restoration of peace and achievement of common goals between the two countries.
It has also been reported that a 17- member delegation of tribal elders and others reached Kabul on Saturday to resume talks with the outlawed outfit.
So far it appears that the outfit has not softened its stance and sticking to its intransigence.
We support the process of talks to find a permanent solution and seriousness on Pakistan’s part can be gauged from the fact Mufti Taqi Usmani who is also well respected in Afghanistan was sent for talks.
Hence it is also for the other side to demonstrate flexibility in its conduct. To show its seriousness, the outfit must cut links with foreign handlers such as India and stop its terror activities in tribal districts and other parts of the country.
Amnesty should only be announced if the outfit renounces violence and lays down the arms.
Otherwise, it will be an insult to the blood rendered by our security forces and ordinary citizens for the sake of the country.
