Kaira asks govt to take clear position on terrorists

LAHORE

Secretary Information Pakistan Peoples Party Qamar Zaman Kaira has demanded the PML-N government to take a clear position against terrorists rather than bowing down before them.

“It seems that the government has surrendered before terrorists, it must take a clear position against them and purge its cadres of all those elements who have soft corner for militants and for those who want to enforce their agenda at gunpoint”, said PPP Secretary Information Qamar Zaman Kaira while addressing media-persons at the Lahore Press Club on Saturday. PPP Lahore leaders Zahid Zulfiqar Ali Khan and Usman Salim Malik were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, Qamar Zaman Kaira criticised Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan for his failure in curbing militancy in the country and stated that even in the federal capital, the elements who wanted to impose their agenda at gunpoint were freely operating. He said recent incident occurring at the Bacha Khan University Charsadda clearly reflected the failure of government in protecting the lives of innocent human beings which was only possible unless the National Action Plan was implemented in letter and spirit. He said there had been no action on the part of the PML-N government to defeat the terrorist mindset which was also part of the NAP and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar seemed nowhere to implement it.

Kaira also said our security forces and intelligence agencies had rendered huge sacrifices in the combat against terrorism but unfortunately the PML-N government seemed to have bowed down before the militants rather than taking a clear stance against them. He said one thing should be kept in mind that this was far greater than the might of our security forces and intelligence agencies and there was a dire need to change the mindset which encouraged terrorism. He stated banned organisations were operating with new names which was evident from the fact that recently, on the insistence of India, offices of a banned group were sealed. He said the raid and sealing of offices of banned groups proved that its network still existed and it was operating.

Qamar Zaman Kaira went on to say that in 2008 when the PPP assumed power, the country was under very critical situation and when we took a firm and clear stance against terrorism while voicing our favour for the action against them, most of the noted political parties opposed us while calling for dialogue with them. He said at that time while the PPP formed government, terrorists were establishing their states in different parts of the country and in most of the tribal areas, they had announced their rule. However, it was the PPP which took a clear position against them and the operation was launched against terrorists due to which most of the country areas were cleared of them.

The PPP leader stressed the PML-N government to feel the gravity of situation and must not ignore the sanctuaries breeding terrorism in any part of country.

He also expressed astonishment over the statement of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that there must be no politics over this issue adding politicians had to do politics as it was the medium to bring change.

Rather, he said the government must put its own house in order. When asked to disclose the name of the PML-N members supporting terrorists, Kaira said ministers belonging to the ruling party were levelling allegations against each other for supporting militants and stated it needed no explanation.

To another question about the role of mediator played by Pakistan to ease Iran-Arabia tension, Kaira stated it was a positive step which was endorsed by the PPP. However, he said Pakistan had to be very careful regarding its role while dealing with the alliance of 34 Muslim states against terrorism. The PPP leader also demanded the PML-N government to complete the projects initiated in the PPP era such as LNG, China-Pak Economic Corridor and Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline.

He stated CPEC was a project which focused mainly on Chinese interest but Pakistan was its beneficiary. Besides, he also said the government should also execute the gas pipeline project with Iran to benefit the nation.

When asked about the allegation of being part of Gang of 4, a term used in the PPP circles against some party leaders considered not loyal to Asif Zardari, Kaira, with a smile responded that in democratic parties, there was no uniformity of opinion. He said every stalwart had the right to express his opinion and finally accepting the decision of party leader. He stated party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had asked party members not to express their differences before media.

To a question about his meeting with Imran Khan, Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf, Qamar Zaman Kaira said Imran was a national leader and he had met him several times on multiple venues such as any wedding event, aeroplane, airport lounge and in national assembly.