Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif invites extremists for talks

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Monday called for dialogue with extremists to end bloodshed that has left thousands dead in the country in more than a decade of violence.

He made the offer in his first televised address to the nation since taking office after winning elections in May, a sweeping, hour-long speech that focused on Pakistan's myriad problems.

He stopped short of unveiling specific policies designed to tackle the nation's enormous budget deficit, solve a crippling energy crisis or clamp down on religious extremists and separatist rebels.

"Wisdom demands that we follow a path where we minimise the loss of innocent lives," said Sharif.

He campaigned for an historic third term as premier by offering peace talks to the Pakistani Taliban, the leaders of a devastating domestic insurgency that has links to Al-Qaeda.

He said he was expanding on his original offer after the elections of inviting all political parties to discuss together how best to resolve Pakistan's security and economic woes.

"This policy of reconciliation is not confined just to political parties. I take a step forward and invite for dialogue all those elements who have unfortunately adopted the path of extremism."

But Sharif said dialogue was not the only option.

"I want an end to terrorism whether it is through dialogue and reconciliation, or through full use of force," he added. (AFP)