The government must reject talks-only and action-only strategy and adopt a third way whereby dialogue should go side by side with military operations, participants at a peace walk observed by the Peace and Human Development Foundation and the Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation on Thursday.
The walk was organised in collaboration with several other non government organisations and the Awami Workers Party.
Speakers at the walk suggested that the government should hold dialogue with the militants willing to stop violent activities, and pursue an operation against those who continued terrorist activities.
Addressing the participants, Robin Daniel said that the Pakistanis wanted peace in the country, whether through negotiations or military action. PHD Foundation director Suneel Malik said the government needed a third option, where dialogue should be held with those willing to talk. He said the militants should not be seen as a single group.
“Precise strikes and surgical operations must be carried out against the warring groups where necessary.”
Targeted action against militants should continue until the criminal elements were eliminated, he added.
AWAM director Nazia Sardar said the government must adopt an appropriate strategy so that terrorism could be eliminated permanently.
Rights activist Naseem Anthony said that the government and the law enforcement agencies should not leave any stone unturned to help bring peace.
“Normalcy should return to the country. More strict anti-terrorism laws to deal with the militants effectively must be enacted,” she said.
Rights activist Shazia George said that an attack on humanity was a failure of the government to protect the lives of innocent citizens. She said it was the state’s responsibility to protect its people. She said the government must ensure supremacy of the constitution and writ of the government in Pakistan. She said the government should not let anyone challenge its writ. Arif Ayaz, a Faisalabad-based political activist, said he was not a fan of talks with militants.
“Militants deserve to be dealt with with an iron hand for killing innocent citizens,” he said.
Participants walked from Pahari Chowk in People’s Colony II to Faisalabad Press Club carrying white flags symbolising peace. They had white ribbons around their wrists and arms to express opposition against terrorism and extremism. They requested citizens to install white flags on their houses, offices and vehicles as a peaceful protest against extremism and militancy.
They also paid tribute to personnel of law enforcement agencies for risking their lives for other citizens.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 1st, 2014.