In a positive development amid rising political temperatures in the country, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday announced that the ruling alliance was ready to invite Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to the all-parties conference on terrorism.

Earlier today, addressing a press conference in Quetta, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged all the political forces to sit together to devise a strategy to eradicate the menace of terrorism and bring economic stability to the country. 

Stressing the need for national unity to deal with terrorism, the premier announced to hold a meeting of all the political stakeholders after consultation.

The premier reached Quetta today to express solidarity with the people and review the law and order situation following the aftermath of the deadly Jaffar Express hijacking incident. 

During the operation, security forces eliminated all 33 Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) terrorists who had hijacked the train. Almost 21 passengers and four FC personnel were also martyred at the hands of the terrorist.

Speaking on Geo News’ show “Aaj Shahzaib Khanzada Kay Saath”, the defence minister said: “We are ready to invite PTI to the APC, but they [PTI] should also attend the meeting unconditionally.”

It is pertinent to mention here that the former ruling party did not attend a multi-party conference convened by the ruling coalition against Israeli atrocities in Gaza in October last year.

Responding to a question, the minister said that PML-N and PPP never placed conditions for meetings on matters related to national interest.