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| India-Pakistan |
| Taliban's agenda is not Islam, creating anarchy, terror in society: Information Minister |
| 2009-05-07 |
| [Associated Press of Pakistan] NWFP Minister for Information, Mian Iftikhar Hussain Wednesday said that Taliban neither want Islam nor enforcement of Shariah laws, but their agenda is to create insurgency and spread terror in the society. Addressing a ceremony here at Peshawar Law College, Mian Iftikhar Hussain said government was sincere in restoring peace in restive Swat valley and fulfilled its commitment of enforcing Nizam-e-Adl Regulation despite facing much opposition. Whereas, the Taliban, he went on to say, did not comply with the commitments they made in agreement with the government and not surrendered arms after enforcement of Nizam-e-Adl Regulations. The militants have outrightly rejected the peace offer of the government, security forces and the people of the area, he added. Information Minister said Islam does not allow abduction of people for ransom and killing those who resist the attempt. Similarly, he added, does it is allowed in Islam to damage public property, force people to adhere to Islamic norms, create terror in society by displaying lethal arms and take government's affairs into hands. "We were left with no other option except to take action against the miscreants because government can not allow anyone to take law into his hands and create law and order situation," Iftikhar observed. He said while talks between government and TNSM were in progress, the Taliban martyred DPO Dir, Ex. Nazim and security personnel besides advancing to Buner district and occupying Shal Bandai, Pir Baba shrine and other areas in the district. Mian Iftikhar said Taliban have proved that they does not want Islam and their agenda is to create anarchy in the country. They (Taliban) have exposed their agenda and now have only one option of surrendering arms or face action. Mian Iftikhar Hussain also disclosed that the TNSM chief Maulana Sufi Mohammad wanted the government to yield to the agenda of militants and not willing to acknowledge people's aspirations. He again rejected the claim of TNSM leader Maulana Sufi Muhammad that he was not consulted over the setting of the Daraul Qaza and appointment of Qazis. Government waited for several days to contact Sufi Muhammad before announcing setting up of Daraul Qaza, but the TNSM chief was not available. Maulana Sufi Muhammad, he added, had in fact stalled talk process when he demanded halting of the operation in Lower Dir and Buner district and release of arrested persons. He said the commitment of provincial government for restoring peace and implementation of Nizam-e-Adl Regulations in Malakand were acknowledged by TNSM chief, but the militants create such a situation that compelled the government to take action against them. Mian Iftikhar again held out olive branch to Taliban to lay down arms and there will be no operations if they honored government's writ and lived a peaceful life. |
| Posted by:Fred |