Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid Ahmed is a seasoned politician. In the ruling coalition he represents the Awami Muslim League (AML).

Ahmed is recognized as one of the mouthpieces for the government and Prime Minister Imran Khan. The PM recently recognized the performance of his ministry by awarding him a certificate of appreciation. The minister recently spoke about the stalemate in talks with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the terrorist groupwhich has stepped up its attacks in Pakistan. The minister spoke exclusively to The News on Sunday on talks with the TTP, the state of militancy, politics and his ministry. Excerpts:

The News on Sunday (TNS): A recent United Nations report suggests that there are upto 5,000 active Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan militants in Afghanistan. Do you consider this an accurate assessment of the situation?

Sheikh Rashid Ahmed (SRA): There should be no doubt that the TTP [presence] is a reality. The group is trying these days to step up its activities. They have fighters sheltering in Afghanistan, mainly in Paktia, Kandahar, Nooristan and Khost. They have acquired some of the arms and ammunition of American and NATO forces. They also have roots in Pakistan, especially in the areas along Afghan border. They have some sympathisers and facilitators in the general public too. I say this on account of reports that the two militants who attacked Islamabad Police recently had a large funeral in their hometown. The TTP claimed the attack. A big funeral means that a lot of people sympathise with them. I had pointed this out in 2004 as well when TTP chief Nek Muhammad was killed.

TNS: What is the current status of talks with the TTP and where are they headed?

SRA: Pakistan was recently engaged in talks with the TTP through Afghan Taliban. We acted responsibly. The Afghan Taliban had assured us we could expect good results from these talks. However, the desired results have not materialised so far. According to a TTP statement, they want the restorationof the former [administrative] status of Tribal Areas, release of more than 100 prisoners and imposition of sharia. Pakistan finds the TTP demands unacceptable. The Afghan Taliban are still mediating and we expect them to play a constructive role. We hope for some progress in two months’ time. However, I will say this: one hundred percent success is not possible. The ideology behind the militancy cannot be eliminated. Rather, I believe, it is gaining more support these days. They are not laying down their arms. They are active in ‘their’ areas. Attacks by the TTP and other militant groups are on the rise. It is difficult to say anything definite about the volume and intensity of these activities over the coming days.

TNS: Why are the attacks increasing now that the US has withdrawn from Afghanistan and Pakistan does not appear to be on the same page with America?

SRA: Currently the TTP, some groups linked to the Daesh (ISIS), the BNA, the BLA, and a new group called Baitul Islam, are active in Pakistan.They are also trying to absorb other groups. Some of these groups are playing in the hands Pakistan’s known enemies. In some cases, their motives are unclear. Some of the recent attacks by Balochistan National Army, a separatist group, in Nushki, Panjgur and Turbat exceeded expectations. They also tried to attack residential quarters of security forces but the forces responded promptly. I can also confirm that there was Indian hand behind the Johar Town blast last year.

TNS: Following the recent spate of attacks by the TTP, some political and social groups have called the talks a step back. How do you respond?

SRA: I believe that there is no alternative to peace and that the peace has its own price. I will say that peace must prevail in Pakistan. That is why Pakistan is engaging jirgas and elders of various tribes in talks. We will support any move that brings peace and stability to Pakistan. Pakistan has held two rounds of negotiation with the TTP through Afghan Taliban. However, there has been no direct contact yet. A decisive round is expected in two months.

TNS: Some of the rumors circulating recently have been fuelling political uncertainty. How do you see the rumors and the moves the opposition parties are planning to topple the government?

SRA: I think Imran Khan’s government will complete its term. There are no serious differences between the military establishment and the PM. The establishment appears to be neutral. It has stood by the elected regime in a neutral way. PM Khan wants to see the conclusion of money laundering cases against key leaders of the opposition parties. Many leaders of the opposition parties, at the top as well as second tier, want good terms with the establishment.

Currently, the TTP, some groups linked to Daesh (IS), the BNA, the BLA, and a new group called Baitul Islam, are active in Pakistan. They are also trying to absorb other groups. Recent attacks by the Balochistan National Army, a separatist group, in Nushki, Panjgur and Turbat exceeded expectations. The BNA also tried to attack residential quarters of security forces but the forces responded promptly. I can also confirm that there was Indian hand behind the Johar Town blast last year.

TNS: How do you foresee the next general elections?

SRA: Currently, they [the opposition leaders] are coming together for their vested interests. I predict that they will withdraw their call for the March 23 long march/sit-in. In the long run, I see Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz voters refusing to vote for Pakistan Peoples Party. However, the PML-N and the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazal (JUI-F) may enter an electoral alliance/seat adjustment. I also see a new political group emerging in the Punjab. It can be a religio-political party. A new group might arise in the PML-N as like-minded religious figures join this new group and possibly form a new party. I see a new political party emerging on the political landscape, mainly in the Punjab. It might win 10-25 constituencies. This party/group can attract many religious leaders. There is also the possibility of forward blocs emerging in several political parties. The religious parties are always active even though they never appear to have the full support of the public.

TNS: You have always talked about how India has been openly hostile towards Pakistan and you remain in the spotlight in Indian media. Do you think peace will get a chance here as well?

SRA: For decades now, we have been witness to Pak-India conflicts. We have also seen many efforts to normalize the relations. We have yet to see a breakthrough. Gen Musharraf too tried to normalise relations with India but the process ended abruptly. It seems that there is a particular mindset on both sides that has prevailed every time. The policies of Prime Minister Modi’s government are very harmful to the composition of a secular India. His extreme pro-Hindu and anti-Muslim policies have created an environment in many parts of India where an Islamic movement might emerge. Such a situation will be challenging for India and the policies of the present government will be the reason for it. PM Khan had wanted to normalise relations with India but the Modi regime in India has its own [different] plans. What is happening in New Delhi, Lucknow, Karnataka and Utter Pradesh today can only radicalise India’s Muslim youths. I foresee a big movement that will be quite a challenge for India.

TNS: The Saudi interior minister recently visited Islamabad and there have been reports of a possible exchange of prisoners. What measures is the government taking to bring back thousands of prisoners in other countries?

SRA: The Saudi minister came here and we have agreed to exchange prisoners convicted of petty crimes. We hope eventually to exchange all prisoners with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The key issue is the exchange of prisoners convicted of smuggling drugs. Unlike Pakistan, the Gulf states have harsh sentences for drug smuggling. We are thinking of formulating a comprehensive policy and setting up a committee for the prisoners who want to return to Pakistan that should also work on issues like how they will serve their sentences here. We are already giving some relief to the prisoners who were exploited by human smugglers.

TNS: Can you please also highlight the other goals achieved by the Ministry of Interior?

SRA: The ministry has cancelled more than 200,000 forged/fake identity cards in the recent months. Most of them were from Karachi and other districts of Sindh. We are also setting up new NADRA centers and hiring local women to encourage women to get their CNICs. We have started issuing succession certificates online. People can also apply for passports online. We are also expanding the cybercrime cells. We need more funds to develop and expand our cybercrime wing because of the large number of cases that include instances of religious intolerance.

The author is a staff reporter. He can be reached at: vaqargillani@gmail.com       Twitter: @waqargillani