ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior, Rehman Malik on Tuesday said dialogues have already been offered to Pakistani Taliban but these cannot happen unless they throw away their arms and give up terrorism.
"There is nothing formal regarding talks with Taliban. Taliban usually send messages to us and I also sometimes conveyed them a message so that peace could be prevailed. But it is clear if the Taliban want to shake hand with us they would have to get rid of their arms," he said.
The Minister was responding to different questions raised after inaugurating a ceremony where 50 new Mobile Registration Vans (MRVs) have been added in the fleet of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to facilitate population in remote areas.
Rehman Malik said, "Few days back we also received a message from Taliban for talks and yes we also offered them. We are happy they have realized that killings of innocent people is wrong and the only way forward is the path of peace."
The Minister said he cannot say much on this national issue and added all the stakeholders would sit together to find the amicable solution.
He also mentioned Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani's three-D policy which is development, deterrence and dialogue.
Minister for Interior, Rehman Malik said "The national security is our prime responsibility and the government will never compromise on it. Each and every patriotic Pakistani cannot even think to breach of it."
On a question of an alleged memo by Pakistan's Ambassador in United States, Hussain Haqqani, he said "We are trying to find out the ultimate truth and I am saying the truth will come out just wait for few days."
He said Haqqani is an Ambassador of our country and he is an officer of Ministry of Foreign Affairs which is looking into the issue.
"Prime Minister has called the Ambassador back to Pakistan. We should not believe in assumptions. We should give the relevant Ministry sometime to ascertain the things and find out the truth," he added.
Replying to another question about martyrdom of 14 Frontier Constabulary personnel in an attack in Balochistan, the Minister said some elements were behind this planned incident and added that those who are attacking our security forces are enemies of the country and enemies of the next generation.
Rehman Malik said the government would never launch operation against our friends and peaceful citizens in Balochistan but those who are attacking our forces and anyone who is found involved in these terrorist activities would be dealt with iron hand.
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