Pakistan: Taliban talks: Khurshid Shah opposes army's involvement

Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah on Wednesday said that the government should not involve army in the dialogue process with the Taliban, Dunya News reported Talking to media outside the Parliament House, Shah said that army’s role is to follow government directive and not to hold talks or deals with the militants.

Involving the army in the dialogue process could be dangerous, he added.

A dangerous situation may emerge if the talks fail, he warned.

The opposition leader said that he has no objection if a former member of the armed forces participates in the peace talks.

Khursheed Shah’s comments came after reports emerged that the government may reconstitute its four-member negotiating team in a bid to make the peace process more ‘effective and result-oriented’.

According to sources, the members of the government committee are not very hopeful about peace talks since they are not provided adequate information and facilities that are required for the dialogue process.

Meanwhile, former ISI officer Major retired Amir also expressed no-confidence over the negotiating committee. He said the army should be on driving seat, questioning as to how can the committee takes all decisions when the army was fighting against the militants.