ISLAMABAD: The all parties conference (APC) that has been deferred for Thursday (Feb 9) is likely to be postponed further.
The APC will likely take place early next week as its new schedule will be announced today (Tuesday) after the meeting of the federal cabinet.
The sources told The News on Monday late evening that National Counter Terrorism Authority Pakistan (NACTA) has been asked to submit detailed reports on some sensitive issues. At the same time, input from other agencies regarding certain aspects of the new wave of terrorism is also awaited.
The APC will be convened as soon as the required material is ready for consideration. The sources reminded us that a decision has yet to be taken for undertaking another operation for the elimination of terrorism since its fiscal implications and other relative aspects are to be discussed in today’s meeting of the cabinet before an ultimate decision is taken.
The sources said that the officials believe that no action should be taken in a haphazard manner and haste but must be on a firm footing. Meanwhile, sources indicated that no political party has been invited to the APC through any formal invitation. All the parties which have been invited agreed to participate on the verbal invitation.
To a query, the sources said that PTI has also been invited on the same pattern. The demand of some PTI leaders that it should be requested through a written invitation could be considered today by the Prime Minister who will host the event.
The meeting that was planned to be held in the Prime Minister’s House now its rendezvous has been shifted to the Parliament House. The decision to change the venue has been made to make it comfortable for any party that finds it difficult to turn to the PM House.
Federal Minister and former Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, while talking to this scribe, said that he had invited the PTI just like in the manner invitation was extended to other parties verbally. The PTI focal persons promised to reply after consulting their party chief. Unfortunately, the leadership of the PTI was reluctant.
To a query, he said that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Aasim Muneer would also be part of the deliberations since the Army had played a decisive role in eliminating terrorism. For future reference, Army’s proactive role is needed. The Army has made great sacrifices to restore a terrorism-free atmosphere in the country.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq had contacted former KP chief minister Pervez Khattak and former speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaisar to extend an invitation to the PTI for the APC.
PTI Chairman Imran Khan had rejected the invitation earlier.
