Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik on Thursday asked the banned Tehrik-e-Taliabn Pakistan (TTP) to lay down arms and seek apology from the nation, saying that their days are numbered. The minister came up with the fresh warning following the tragic assassination of former Minister for Minorities' Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti, while talking to reporters outside Parliament House.
He said that after their failure in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa owing to growing public anger against them, the terrorists have now changed their strategy, adopting the course of the high profile personalities' target killing. "I am going to warn the TTP that your days are counted and avoid sending private messages for reconciliation," he warned, asking the banned organisation to surrender and apologies before the nation for its past misdeeds.
He said that the terrorists after facing crushing defeat in the north had started target killing, as in suicide attacks innocent people were the direct victims, giving them bad name. He said that the TTP was involved in sparking sectarian violence in a bid to create chaos in the country, but they would not be let to materialise their nefarious designs. He called upon all political forces and the masses to forge unity among their ranks to foil the malicious designs of the terrorists.
He rejected the notion of "Punjabi Taliban," saying that he never categorised the terrorists on ethnic basis, but added that all Taliban are criminals irrespective of their areas and ethnicities. Referring to an intelligence report received last night, Malik cautioned the political forces to be careful as the terrorists could carry out more nefarious acts by targeting high profiles.
Condemning the assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti, Malik said that the former federal minister was killed in a well-planned move, which he termed an attack on democracy. He said despite the fact that he (Bhatti) was given security escort comprising 15 strong and fully armed personnel, he opted not to avail it during his routine visit to his mother's house.
To a question, he said that various clues have been found in the killing of the former federal minister that would help lead the investigators to the real culprits. He said that strict action would be taken if someone even police were found guilty of negligence, adding that every aspect of the case is being looked into thoroughly. To another question, he said that Bhatti was provided bullet-proof vehicle by the President through a friend privately, but the deceased returned it saying that it was second hand.
He further said that he had given suggestion in the federal cabinet meeting the other day that all those who are facing threats be allowed to import bullet-proof vehicles. Malik said that minorities being Pakistani citizens were safe in the country and that the sacrifice of Shahbaz Bhatti would not go in vain.
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