Imran Khan calls for talks with Taliban to avoid 'catastrophe'

London, Jan.15 (ANI): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has once again asked the government to withdraw troops from the tribal areas and start a dialogue with the Taliban failing which would result in a 'catastrophe' for the country.

Speaking at the Chatham House foreign policy think tank here, Khan criticized the US for the continuous drone strikes in the tribal areas, saying the missile hits were sparking "anger and hatred" in the region.

The cricketer turned politician said the US-Pakistan military offensive in the areas bordering Afghanistan was turning locals against the United States and boosting support for the extremists.

"The solution is to hold a dialogue with the militants. The solution is to win them onto our side, not to bomb them with airstrikes. If we continue with this military operation we are facing a catastrophe," The Dawn quoted Khan, as saying.

Khan also blasted the revamped Afghan policy of the Obama administration, saying the proposed troop surge would result in more violence in Afghanistan.

"The only way I see the surge being effective is if they use their muscle to get the Taliban to the negotiating table. If they use the surge for more bloodshed, I can guarantee they will leave behind, because they will leave, a far more radical government than the one it replaced," he said. (ANI)