Doors for negotiations with TTP are never closed: Sheikh Rasheed

Islamabad (HRNW) Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed has said the doors are never closed for negotiations with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

“I am not in the position to say anything regarding negotiations with TTP, let the Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi comeback and review it [the matter],” he said at a press briefing Sunday.

“The doors for negotiations can never close,” the minister pointed out. “But those who raise weapons against Pakistan and the Army and try to destroy our installations and camps will never be forgiven.”

Earlier, Rasheed had revealed that the banned TTP has been demanding extortion in Peshawar. There were also suspicions that the banned organisation was behind the Naushki and Panjgur attacks on security forces.

On Sunday, he said that the government of Pakistan relies on ISPR’s statement which stated that 20 terrorists were killed and nine soldiers martyred in the Balochistan attacks. “All the other rumours are just a part of Indian propaganda.”

Rasheed promised that whoever tries to disturb Pakistan’s peace and sovereignty will be dealt with by the army.

Bringing back prisoners
The minister added that under the instructions of PM Imran Khan, Pakistan is coordinating with the interior ministers of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia to bring Pakistani prisoners stuck abroad.

He said the issue will be taken to the cabinet as well.

Rasheed added that the government is in contact with the Afghan Taliban and will stay in touch. Pakistan will try to figure out a solution to end humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Money launderers are responsible for FATF
Lashing over the oppositions parties, he said that they are the reason for inflation and economic crisis in the country. “If they want to come together we will welcome them.”

The minister said that on March 22 and March 23, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has been scheduled. “This is the reason I had asked them to change the date for the long march. But now, I say anyone can come to Islamabad because no one can send us home. They have nothing to do with us.”