Terrorism the biggest challenge for Pakistan in 2013: Imran Khan

[Toramana]

ISLAMABAD: Terming the menace of terrorism as the biggest challenge for the country in the year 2013, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday called upon the government, political parties and all other stakeholders to sit down and chalk out a comprehensive strategy to flush out terrorists from the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Imran Khan said that the menace of terrorism was a major hurdle in the country’s progress.

He said that terrorism was the main cause for the prevailing economic crisis, adding that the government should take immediate steps to provide protection to the people, which was its constitutional obligation.

Condemning the murder of 21 levies officials by Taliban and the targeting of a bus carrying pilgrimages in Mastung which claimed another 20 precious lives, Imran said that during the past years, thousands of innocent people and security personnel had been killed in various terrorist activities.

The PTI chief urged that the government should work out a well-thought-out plan by taking all the political parties and other stakeholders on board to weed out the menace of terrorism for ever from the country.

Imran said that it was need of the hour that the government takes these steps to get rid of these problems. He hoped that the new year would bring a change in the country through which the would progress by leaps and bounds.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/487554/terrorism-the-biggest-challenge-for-pakistan-in-2013-imran-khan/

[Toramana]

Finally, Imran Khan is on the right track. Achieving political objectives through violence and extremism would destroy us at fast pace. Extremist ideologies whether of the left or the right try to overthrow the present order through force is extremely destructive, disruptive, and de-stabalising in Muslim societies that have pushed Muslim societies into the abyss of backwardness and economic stagnation. Such elements also play into foreign hands.

The earlier we get rid of this the better. The earlier we start working on our economies and creating societies that are knowledge-based the better.

[tor_khan]

Every politician in Pakistan speaks out against terrorism. I can't think of many who openly support it and hold public office. In that regards, Imran Khan cannot be any different and the timing of this statement will be well thought out. Has he exhausted the excuse of American drone incursions/attacks on Pakistani soil or is this a more vocal change of his position?

The issue that this does raise is control of the ISI and Pakistan's foreign policy. Where does Imran Khan stand on this? Is he willing to or able to concede Kashmir or Baluchistan? If he cannot, then I suspect the ISI will still operate with the tacit 'approval' whatever the government.

[laevanay]

IK the coward who does not want to condemn the attack by the terrorists for fear of retribution, is the biggest threat to Pakistan especially if he joins hands with his rivals of MQM. Heard ISI has been prepping Tahir ul Qadri too to be in this coalition, lets see....