File picture of Pak PM Nawaz Sharif
Islamabad:
Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday called for dialogue with extremists in order to end bloodshed that has left thousands dead in the country over the past decade.
He made the offer in his first televised address to the nation since taking office after winning elections in May, a sweeping, hour-long speech that focused on Pakistan's myriad problems.
Sharif campaigned for an historic third term as prime minister by offering peace talks to the Pakistani Taliban, the leaders of a devastating domestic insurgency that has links to Al Qaeda.
"Wisdom demands that we follow a path where we minimise the loss of innocent lives," said Mr Sharif.
He said he was expanding on his original offer after the elections of inviting all political parties to discuss together how best to resolve Pakistan's security and economic woes.
"This policy of reconciliation is not confined just to political parties. I take a step forward and invite for dialogue all those elements who have unfortunately adopted the path of extremism."
But Mr Sharif said dialogue was not the only option.
"I want an end to terrorism whether it is through dialogue and reconciliation, or through full use of force," he added.
He made the offer in his first televised address to the nation since taking office after winning elections in May, a sweeping, hour-long speech that focused on Pakistan's myriad problems.
Sharif campaigned for an historic third term as prime minister by offering peace talks to the Pakistani Taliban, the leaders of a devastating domestic insurgency that has links to Al Qaeda.
"Wisdom demands that we follow a path where we minimise the loss of innocent lives," said Mr Sharif.
He said he was expanding on his original offer after the elections of inviting all political parties to discuss together how best to resolve Pakistan's security and economic woes.
"This policy of reconciliation is not confined just to political parties. I take a step forward and invite for dialogue all those elements who have unfortunately adopted the path of extremism."
But Mr Sharif said dialogue was not the only option.
"I want an end to terrorism whether it is through dialogue and reconciliation, or through full use of force," he added.
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