Asad Umar calls for political approach to terrorism

Asad Umar calls for political approach to terrorism

Former federal minister Asad Umar has said that terrorism is an issue on which there can be no compromise, urging the authorities to pursue a comprehensive strategy to address the security challenges facing the country.

Speaking to the media in Lahore, Umar said the government should consider recommendations made by an all-parties jirga convened by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government last year. He stressed that the jirga’s declaration could provide a basis for moving towards a political solution to the problem.

Umar said authorities should not rely on force alone to deal with every challenge, stressing that different problems require different approaches.

“Every problem is not a nail, and every solution is not a hammer,” he said, calling for a balanced strategy that combines security measures with political engagement.

The former minister maintained that terrorism remains a serious national challenge and requires consensus among political forces. He suggested that political dialogue and consultation could help address the underlying issues while security institutions continue their efforts against militant groups.

Umar also criticised the government’s approach towards Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying the party had been pushed against the wall. He argued that political differences should not prevent the authorities from engaging with major political stakeholders on matters of national importance.

On the issue of creating new provinces, Umar said former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan should also be taken on board. He argued that any serious initiative to redraw the administrative structure of the country would require broader political consensus.

According to Umar, the participation of the PTI founder would be important in discussions concerning the creation of new provinces, particularly given his political influence and the need for wider agreement on such a major constitutional and administrative matter.

His remarks come amid continuing political and security tensions, particularly over the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the government’s efforts to counter militancy while managing its political differences with the opposition.