Pak govt firm on dialogue with Taliban, says Sartaj Aziz

On the eve of an all-party meet called by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his close aide and National Security Advisor today said dialogue with Taliban militants was the first option for the government while maintaining that Pakistan wants good relations with India.
National Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz underlined that fighting terrorism and good governance are essential for economic revival of the country and also said that Pakistan wants good bilateral relations with India.
He said the PML-N is seeking support of all political parties in this regard.
The All Party Conference would be held tomorrow where a new counter-terrorism policy is likely to be framed.

The government has made its intentions of holding talks with the Taliban clear and has maintained that the powerful and influential security establishment is on board.
Aziz said peace and stability in the region is inevitable for economic development and prosperity in the country.

He said the newly established National Security Council will provide a platform for collective thinking and involvement of all stakeholders to discuss vital issues of national security, Radio Pakistan reported.
He said the council would discuss both conventional and non-conventional threats faced by the country.
Speaking on global concerns on Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, Aziz said Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state with a secure command and control system.

Aziz said that the country's image had been enhanced with a democratically elected government in power and a vibrant media.
He said that Pakistan wants to maintain good relations with India for economic stability and peace in the region.