It was nice to learn that Imran Khan has offered to mediate between the tribal militants and government and has shown willingness to travel to the tribal areas in order to push for peace. What distinguishes his offer from those made by some religious parties is that he differentiates between the foreign and foreign-backed militant as well as the criminal elements exploiting the situation, all of whom he feels, need to be isolated and dealt with firmly. The other two groups that comprise the Jihadis are the tribal people involved in the military struggle because of their solidarity with the Pukhtuns and those that are reacting to the US policies in the region. Almost all of them can be won over if we could de-link ourselves from the US. Imran's only condition is that the government should not undermine his peace efforts under US pressure. I am sure the vast majority of Pakistanis whose loyalty is with Pakistan and wish for neither fat bank balances or safe perches abroad and only want Pakistan not to become another Iraq will support Imran's proposal. It has a more than fair chance of succeeding because of his sincerity, his untainted reputation and his influence among Pukhtuns some of whom have already reacted favorably to his proposal. -S. R. H. HASHMI, Karachi, December 12.