Pakistan: Opposition to react if sons of Gilani, Taseer not released: Shah

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah on Monday warned that if the government failed to secure the release of Ali Haider Gilani and Shahbaz Taseer, then the opposition would react, DawnNews reported Speaking to media representatives in an informal meeting in the Parliament House, Shah said it was imperative to take the military into confidence regarding the release of prisoners, even though the decision was to be taken by the government and not the army. He also expressed the fear that granting a free peace zone to the Taliban was dangerous. He said the Taliban had managed to get many of its prisoners released, but not a single person held in Taliban captivity was freed. The senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader warned that if the government failed to secure the release of Ali Haider Gilani and Shahbaz Taseer, then the opposition would react. Shah demanded of the government to apprise political parties of details of talks with Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, adding that both sides should negotiate from a position of equality. Shah said the PPP was not against talks between the government and the TTP, adding that the former should not hold the opposition responsible in case the mediation failed. He claimed that in December 2000, Musharraf, who at the time was the chief executive of the country, had facilitated the granting of a presidential pardon to Nawaz Sharif and the incumbent premier would now return the favour. He said the opposition supported the federal government on talks with the Taliban for lasting peace in the country, but peace didn’t seem to be visible The opposition leader said the government had not held consultations over the Pakistan Protection Ordinance, adding that the ordinance would be opposed in case any contact was made.