We in fact need to be grateful to Tahreek-e-Taleban Pakistan for officially stating what is known for a long time as they have nominated three politicians as guarantors for any peace talks with army. The three guarantors are Nawaz Sharif of Muslim League, Munawar Hassan of Jamaat-e-Islami and Fazal-ur-Rehman of Jamiat Ulma-e-Islam.
Taleban’ desire to talk to army only, not with the government, shows who wields the real power in the country. They renewed threats against those political parties who are ideologically opposed to Taleban. Consequently leaders of the ANP, PPP and MQM are on Taleban’s hit list.
Recent daring attacks on civilians and security agencies in Karachi and tribal areas prove the point that Taleban are offering peace deal from a position of strength. Those leaders who have been chosen as guarantors by Taleban shall think twice if they are pushing the country to dark ages. — Masood Khan, Jubail
