Not Every Problem Is a Nail, Nor Is the Hammer the Solution: Asad Umar

Islamabad (Qudrat Daily) — Former Minister Asad Umar says not every problem is a nail, nor is a hammer the solution to every problem. Much innocent Pashtun blood has already been spilled, and many soldiers have laid down their lives. Instead of the Interior Minister’s 72-hour threat, he should sit with the tribal elders. For God’s sake, do not play politics with the lives of this country’s people.

In a post on X, he stated that there can be no compromise on terrorism under any circumstances. For this purpose, a jirga of Pashtunkhwa’s elders was held in November 2025, and a declaration was issued with complete consensus. In this jirga, besides the provincial government, the Muslim League, People’s Party, JUI, Jamaat-e-Islami, Awami National Party, and all parties of the province were present, and their representatives signed the declaration.

The declaration should be the basis of efforts to eliminate terrorism. Instead of a 72-hour threat, the Interior Minister should sit with all these elders. First, there should be a review of whether the federal and provincial governments fulfilled their responsibilities in accordance with the declaration. Whoever has been negligent should be taken to task. If the federation has reservations about any aspect of the declaration, or wants any additional measures, it should convince the elders.

Not every problem is a nail, nor is a hammer the solution to every problem. This nation, and especially innocent Pashtuns, have already bled far too much, and many soldiers and officers have sacrificed their lives fighting terrorism. The parents of this nation have grown tired of burying their children’s bodies. And there are many other matters on which to do politics. For God’s sake, do not play politics with the lives of this country’s people.

Similarly, former Finance Minister Asad Umar, in his statement on the birthday of PTI founding chairman Imran Khan, said that at the age of 20 he was a Test cricketer, at forty he was a World Cup-winning captain and one of the greatest players in history, at fifty he built a cancer hospital, at sixty he was Pakistan’s most popular politician, by seventy he was Prime Minister, and now at 74 he is the most discussed prisoner in the world.