Islamabad:
A conference of Pakistani political parties has decided to endorse the government's efforts to negotiate with militants in the tribal regions bordering Afghanistan who have been trying to overthrow the Pakistani state.
Political leaders said in a statement today that they were authorizing the government to do what was necessary to bring about negotiations.
The announcement came after a meeting of politicians from the major political parties at the prime minister's residence to discuss the security situation.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif came into office in June saying he supported talks instead of military operations to bring about peace.
Today's announcement gives him the political backing he wanted to try to negotiate with the militants. But the militants have said repeatedly that they have no interest in talking to his government.
Political leaders said in a statement today that they were authorizing the government to do what was necessary to bring about negotiations.
The announcement came after a meeting of politicians from the major political parties at the prime minister's residence to discuss the security situation.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif came into office in June saying he supported talks instead of military operations to bring about peace.
Today's announcement gives him the political backing he wanted to try to negotiate with the militants. But the militants have said repeatedly that they have no interest in talking to his government.
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