Moving Toward a National Consensus?

Parliament House, Islamabad. Flickr photo by ~MVI~ used under a Creative Commons license.

Pakistan finally seems on its way to developing a national consensus on the campaign against extremism.  On Wednesday, the Pakistani parliament adopted a unanimous counter-terrorism resolution, following two weeks of an in-camera briefing in which military officials shared the government’s strategy to combat militancy.

The fourteen point resolution drafted by a committee which comprised of members of all major parties called dialogue the “principal instrument of conflict management and resolution” and the preferred method of engaging with militants.  

Initially, significant differences had emerged between major parties on the approach to tackling militancy.  Maulana Fazlur Rehman of the JUI (member of the ruling coalition) had questioned Zardari’s multi-pronged approach consisting of ‘Dialogue, Development and Deterrence’ and had called for an immediate end to military operations.  That the 16-member parliamentary committee had succeeded in drafting a consensus resolution therefore came as a surprise to many. 

Next steps include the formation of a committee that will monitor the implementation of the road map outlined in the resolution.  It remains to be seen what impact the resolution will have on the Pakistani military, which is currently engaged in stepped up operations in Swat and Bajaur.   

Meanwhile, the Pakistani foreign minister met his Afghan counterpart in Islamabad.  Both officials agreed that while political dialogue was important, negotiations will take place only with those who agree to give up arms and abide by the constitution.

As if in response, the Tehreek-e-Taliban spokesperson, Maulvi Omar declared the TTP would surrender its weapons if it were guaranteed the government would halt military operations against them in the tribal belt. 

As calls for negotiations grow louder across the country, it seems likely that sooner or later the government will pursue dialogue.  It is hoped, however, that this time around the Pakistani government will be better prepared and will have enforcement mechanisms in place before it engages in talks with militant groups.