Pakistan to hold all-party meet on security, Taliban

Pakistan will convene a grand conference of mainstream political parties next week to evolve consensus on a national security policy and discuss proposal for talks with the Taliban insurgents, officials said Thursday.

The All Parties Conference (APC) will be held in Islamabad Sep 9, Xinhua reported citing government officials.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has invited senior political leaders for the talks, they said, adding the conference will be held at Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's house.

The government was previously expected to hold the APC July 12 to evolve a national strategy to curb militancy and address the overall law and order and security situation in the country. However, it was delayed as the government wanted to hold more consultations to make the event successful, officials said.

The government said the APC will also discuss whether to opt for talks with the Taliban.

Officials said the government "has been considering various steps to formulate a consensus policy regarding terrorism in the country since it has taken over in June".

Senior military and intelligence officials will also attend the conference to brief the participants about the security situation.

Information Minister Pervaiz Rasheed said that comprehensive strategy would be adopted against the militant outfits.