Taliban tightens the Paki noose...

Image via WikipediaNWFP MPAs concerned over Taliban convergence on Peshawar

* Senior minister says coalition govt will take all members into confidence on improving law and order

By Zakir Hassnain

PESHAWAR: The NWFP is passing through a dangerous period as the Taliban are entering the provincial capital, concerned treasury and opposition members of the NWFP Assembly noted on Thursday.

"The Taliban are converging on Peshawar city from all directions. It's a devastating situation. We are worried," Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)'s Javed Abbasi told the House on a point of order.

Abbasi said there was a high-level meeting on Wednesday night in Islamabad and the province was abuzz the whole night with rumours of a military operation. "We want to ask the government whether the army will launch an operation against the militants in the Tribal Areas or settled areas," said the PML-N MPA.

Abbasi said that on one hand the provincial government was signing peace accords while on the other, the federal government was launching military operations against militants.

The PML-N member asked the federal government if it had achieved desired results in past military operations and whether it was re-launching the army operation in the province. Abbasi said it was a serious issue over which the population should be consulted, and that the matter should be debated in the House.

Former chief minister and leader of the opposition Akram Khan Durrani endorsed Abbasi's views. "It's an important issue and as such it be discussed in the House. We'll give proposals," said Durrani who is from the JUI-F.

Senior Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Minister Rahim Dad Khan said the coalition government was faced with challenges and that it was signing peace agreements with militants.

He added that the coalition government would sign peace accords with those surrendering weapons. "We'll initiate dialogue with those who want to become honourable citizens," said the senior minister.

Senior minister: Rahim said some elements were giving the impression that peace accords with militants had failed, which was not true. "We'll honour the peace agreements and provide protection to our citizens," said the PPP leader holding the portfolio of planning and development.

The senior minister said the coalition government would take the House into confidence and take steps on the law and order issue.

The House is likely to debate the Taliban issue on private member's day on July 1 or 2. Some opposition members have submitted adjournment motions on the issue.

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