Pakistan Army chief backs Taliban talks

Islamabad, May 1 (IANS) Pakistan's army chief Gen. Raheel Sharif has extended his support to talks with the Taliban for putting an end to terrorism and restoration of peace in the country.

He also asked the militants to accept the constitution and the law, Xinhua reported.

The government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is involved in a peace dialogue with the Taliban, but no progress has been made in the process.

"The Pakistan Army supports every effort for restoration of peace and an end to terrorism. It is our desire that all elements who are active against Pakistan unconditionally accept the constitution and the law, and return to the national mainstream," General Raheel told a big gathering in the army's headquarters in Rawalpindi Wednesday.

The function was arranged to mark the annual Martyrs Day to pay homage to those security forces personnel who have lost their lives while fighting armed militants.

Relatives of the slain security forces also attended the largely-attended function.

"If the state rebels did not accept the constitution, then there should be no doubt the army would deal with them," the general said.

"The armed forces of Pakistan and the people are capable to bring the anti-state elements to task," he said.

Thousands of security personnel have been killed in terror attacks and military operations in the tribal regions of Pakistan over the past few years. The Pakistani Taliban are fighting the security forces.

On Wednesday, a Taliban bomb attack killed several soldiers in South Waziristan tribal region.

Gen. Raheel stressed the need for unity to overcome internal and external challenges confronting the country, and added that the armed forces of Pakistan were capable enough to foil the nefarious designs of the enemy and remain alert round the clock for defence of the motherland.

"Nobody should doubt the capabilities of the Pakistan Army as it will come to the expectations of the nation," Gen. Raheel said, adding that the army believed in strengthening of democracy, supremacy of constitution and rule of law.

He said the army would render every sacrifice for the country's defence, progress and prosperity, adding that the nation has always stood with the army in every difficult time.