PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif said on Wednesday that the provincial government is neither engaged in talks with the federal government nor any other organization.
Speaking to the media outside the Peshawar High Court, he said that although he believes in dialogue and has held talks with a banned outfit in the past, there are currently no talks with the federal government.
Barrister Saif, who is the chief minister’s adviser on information and public relations, dismissed reports of the governor’s proposed participation in the grand jirga, saying the decision rested with the provincial government. He further said that no decision has been taken yet regarding participation in the All Parties Conference (APC).
Referring to the cases registered against him, Barrister Saif said that the federal government has registered false cases against us. Six cases are registered against me. We have protested before and will continue to do so until this government is removed.
Reiterating the right of every citizen to peaceful protest, he said that demonstrations, rallies and sit-ins are an integral part of political movements.
Speaking on the peace talks, Barrister Saif remarked, “I have always been in favor of talks with the Taliban. We have even held talks with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). But we believe that there are no talks at present. If PTI founder chairman Imran Khan gives permission, we will consider talks.
Criticizing the federal government, he accused it of resorting to violence against unarmed protesters.
“This government has no right to label us as troublemakers. They are the ones who opened fire on peaceful protesters.
He said that the only responsibility of the federal government is to ensure border security.
Regarding efforts to restore peace in the tribal district of Kurram, Barrister Saif noted that the Grand Jirga is making efforts to maintain peace, seeking a lasting ceasefire.