ISLAMABAD: The consultative meeting of the ruling party, held under Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif here on Friday, decided not to ‘push’ the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) to the wall but “there shall be no compromise on the Karachi operation”, as the Centre did not want confrontation with Sindh.
The PPP would be engaged by the federal government on Karachi operation and other related issues, the meeting reached consensus. The meeting, that took place at the PM House and continued for more than three hours, took stock of all subjects of national significance and the PM made it clear that no issue could take precedence over Pakistan and its interests. The meeting also decided to expedite implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP).
According to the inside story of the meeting, which took place for the first time on this scale in about three months, whole spectrum of security issues and important elements of foreign affairs were deliberated upon.
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan briefed the meeting about his contention with regard to the PPP leader’s face-off with him and explained the circumstances that resulted in the PPP leader’s taking on him and he was forced to respond. His point of view was heard by the participants including the PM with due respect.
The meeting also discussed a proposal to hold meeting of the parliamentary group leaders in line with the strategy of the incumbent government to thrash out national issues. It was decided that the Sindh administration would be taken into confidence regarding ongoing operation and it would be made to believe that the operation was essential for safeguarding the national interest. The security situation prevailed upon in the deliberations.
The ties with Afghanistan and India were also discussed and the meeting was informed that Pakistan had credible evidence with regard to terrorists, who carried out attacks on Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, that they were marshalled from Afghanistan. Kabul would be asked for a firm action against the culprits present on its soil.
Ch Nisar briefed the participants about the progress regarding attack on Bacha Khan University and maintained that law-enforcing agencies played their role in an admirable way in the wake of the brazen attack.
The meeting was also briefed about Pathankot attack in India and it was revealed that the evidence India had provided was not sufficient for an action. India is being asked to provide more and credible evidence so that Pakistan could take action and dispatch its joint team to India for taking part in the probe.
The participants were surprised that Maulana Azhar Masood, who had been implicated by India, was blamed for masterminding attack on former Army Chief General Musharraf when he was country’s president and army chief both. But he was never arrested. They wondered that how he had become powerful and who was backing him.
Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told the huddle that despite complexities, talks between foreign secretaries of Pakistan and India would be scheduled in a couple of days. The meeting also discussed affairs of PIA and it was decided that Senator Mushahidullah Khan would play a role as the government point man in it, who is also heading the committee for resolving the problems of the workers of the national airlines.
It has been decided that disposal of strategic share of the PIA should be deferred for six month as per demand of the trade union leaders, who have assured the government to improve the affairs of the airline within this period of time.
The sources said Interior Minister Ch Nisar told the meeting that Rangers should be given authority to deal with terrorists and other criminals, who were causing unrest among the people in Karachi.
Federal Minister for Railways Khwaja Saad Rafiq said Rangers should not be given unlimited powers in Karachi. Ultimately, Ch Nisar’s views prevailed as he carried the day.
Later, Ch Nisar spoke to Major General Bilal Akbar, DG Rangers Karachi, and appreciated the Rangers. PM Nawaz Sharif was felicitated by the participants on improvement in law and order situation in Karachi and on the report of Transparency International that has elevated the stature of the country and government for curbing corruption.