Every Problem Is Not A Nail, Nor Is Every Solution A Hammer: Asad Umar
Sanaullah Nagra (@) Published October 05, 2026 | 06:45 PM
Many innocent Pashtuns and soldiers have already lost their lives, as Asad Umar tells the interior minister to sit with tribal elders instead of issuing a 72-hour threat and to not politicize people's lives.
Context and Background
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Oct, 2026) Former minister Asad Umar emphasizes that not every problem requires a nail, and not every solution is a hammer. He highlights the sacrifices made by innocent Pashtuns and soldiers in the fight against terrorism.
He suggests:
- A return to dialogue, specifically with tribal elders, instead of issuing threats.
- Politicians should avoid politicizing the lives of the country's citizens.
The 2025 Jirga
Asad Umar references a jirga (assembly) of elders from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa held in November 2025, which resulted in a declaration signed by representatives of various political parties, including the Muslim League, the People’s Party, JUI, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the Awami National Party.
He suggests this declaration should serve as a framework for counter-terrorism efforts.
A Call for Action
Instead of threats, the interior minister should engage with the elders. The federal and provincial governments should be held accountable for their actions regarding the declaration.
"Every problem is not a nail, nor is every solution a hammer." The nation, especially innocent Pashtuns, has already endured too much bloodshed, and many lives have been lost fighting terrorism.
There are numerous other issues on which to engage in political discourse. For the sake of the nation, do not politicize the lives of its people.
Related Statements
In a separate statement, Asad Umar, on the occasion of Imran Khan's birthday, reflects on Khan's achievements:
- At 20, he was a Test cricketer.
- At 40, a World Cup-winning captain and one of the greatest players in history.
- At 50, he built a cancer hospital.
- At 60, he was Pakistan's most popular politician.
- Until 70, he served as Prime Minister.
- Now, at 74, he is the most discussed prisoner in the world.