PESHAWAR: Analysts and intellectuals believe that dialogue is the only way to stem militancy in the Tribal Areas, provided those responsible for the unrest surrender and guarantee they will not challenge the writ of the government. They also believe that the return of peace depends on the sincerity of both sides , the Taliban as well as the government , with an unconditional ceasefire in Bajaur and other tribal areas.
Responding cautiously to an offer made by the Taliban, the government has already said it is not opposed to a negotiated settlement to the situation in Bajaur and other tribal areas.
Commenting on the offer made by the Taliban and the government's response, former Pakistani ambassador to Afghanistan Rustam Shah Momand said, "Both sides should stop killing innocent people as the first and foremost step in their quest for inching towards lasting peace. There must be talks, as the use of force can't bring peace. The two sides should stop being hostile, the government should withdraw the army from the region and the tribesmen should expel foreigners in addition to guaranteeing an end to the across-border movement of militants."
The seasoned diplomat , also known for his expertise on Afghan and tribal affairs , said it would be the responsibility of Bajaur elders to expel foreigners or persuade them to live in peace if they wanted to stay there. He said the army troops should also be withdrawn, "as their presence would not facilitate the return of peace".
He said earlier agreements with the Taliban failed because they had been inked with only a few commanders. For the sake of success, the government should hold talks with elders and accept all their justified demands, he added.
Meanwhile, analyst Aimal Khan also believes the government and Taliban credibility would be the key to the success of any future dialogue. The analyst holds both sides responsible for violating peace agreements in the past. Aimal stressed the need for unconditional ceasefire as the first step, and said all political and religious parties would play a critical role in the success of a future deal.
He also called for confidence-building measures , such as an end to attacks by both sides, the release of captives, the surrender of the Taliban and a phased withdrawal of troops from Bajaur.
He proposed that the government assure the people of Bajaur that Pakistan was a sovereign country and no decision would be made under pressure from the US or any other country.
Professor Ijaz Khan of Peshawar University said the government could not, and should not, turn down the offer for talks. It must , however , also ensure that the Taliban were not using it as a ploy to save foreigners or buy time to regroup, he added. He is of the view that the surrender of arms and a Taliban guarantee not to carry out attacks inside Pakistan or across the border in Afghanistan is imperative for any future peace deal.
"Stopping them from attacks inside Pakistan and giving them freedom to cross the border and carry out attacks in Afghanistan will not serve the purpose," said the professor. daud khattak
