ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari strongly criticised the "terrorist resettlement policy" of the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government in the aftermath of the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan.

Bilawal called for a comprehensive inquiry into the release of outlawed individuals associated with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and questioned the decision to invite them to settle in the tribal areas of the country by former prime minister Imran Khan. Speaking at a press conference held at the Ministry of Interior after visiting the recently established 'The Wall of Martyrs' within the same building, Bilawal expressed concern over a decision that purportedly allowed engagement with terrorists previously defeated by the police, army, and people of Pakistan.

He criticised the decision for lacking parliamentary or public input, accusing it of undermining the efforts of the country's martyrs. Bilawal asserted that terrorists were released from prisons in Pakistan, including those responsible for attacks on Pakistani soil from Afghanistan. He claimed that Imran Khan invited these individuals to settle in the tribal areas and called for a thorough inquiry into the matter.

Bilawal expressed gratitude to Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti for organising the "Wall of Martyrs" ceremony, an initiative appreciated by the PPP. He urged the Pakistani government to reflect on how decisions with such significant implications could be made overnight without parliamentary approval, putting the country's ongoing struggle against terrorism at risk.

Responding to questions, Bilawal emphasised the need to investigate those involved in the decision, understand their intentions, and ensure that such decisions are not made in the future. The PPP chairman highlighted that the country's priority should be bringing terrorists involved in serious crimes to justice and promoting collaboration with Afghanistan to collectively combat terrorism.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 12 2023

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