PM rules out possibility of holding talks with TTP

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, while addressing a delegation from the Peshawar Chamber of Commerce in the provincial capital of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), has unequivocally ruled out any possibility of negotiations with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Instead, he has placed his faith in Pakistan's counter-terrorism strategy, asserting that the nation is resolute in its capacity to combat the group for the long haul. During a media interaction flanked by Caretaker K-P Chief Minister Azam Khan and Governor Haji Ghulam Ali, the premier firmly stated, "The state of Pakistan is so potent that it can combat the TTP, not just for a year, but for a century." PM Anwaar ul Haq Kakar Interacts with Delegation of Peshawar Chamber of Commerce - 13 10 2023@anwaar_kakar pic.twitter.com/3VHKGyOkdJ — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) October 13, 2023 Responding to inquiries about the obstacles hindering talks with the TTP, Prime Minister Kakar made it clear, "We don't want to engage in dialogue with them. We have no intention of doing so." The PM also debunked any notions of registered Afghan refugees being expelled from Pakistan, emphasising that only undocumented foreigners living in the country were asked to depart. These measures, according to Kakar, aim to establish international-standard relations with Afghanistan, ensuring that the movement of people is contingent upon proper visa issuance. He underscored that the expulsion of illegal residents is not driven by vengeance but is a step toward ridding the nation of individuals contributing to social ills in the form of crime and terrorism. Read More: TTP remains threat for neighbouring countries, UNSC told Regarding the fate of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif on his return to the country, Kakar reiterated that the government would adhere to the law. When questioned about elections, he affirmed that the caretaker setup would cooperate with the Election Commission of Pakistan's decision on the final poll date. Speaking on the economic situation, Prime Minister Kakar asserted that the depreciation of the dollar had reduced the country's loans by Rs4,000 billion, impacting the prices of essential commodities such as petroleum products, sugar, and ghee. He lamented the lack of attention given to these efforts to provide relief to the people. Kakar also assured that all political parties registered with the Election Commission would be allowed to participate in the electoral process, with the PM Office available to address any grievances. Read More: CTD dismantles TTP sleeper cell in Swabi Revisiting his memories of alma mater Kohat Cadet College and his time in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the prime minister, who wore the traditional turban of Pashtun culture, praised the people of Peshawar as unique, hardworking, and courageous, reflecting their sacrifices against terrorism. This visit to Peshawar marks Prime Minister Kakar's first since taking office, and he pledged to address the business community's concerns through dialogue while commending his cabinet as "capable and dedicated" individuals serving the nation within their mandate. The PM also took the time to listen to the issues raised by the delegation members.