Not Every Problem Is a Nail, Nor 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; Asad Umar advised the Interior Minister to sit with tribal elders instead of issuing a 72-hour threat and urged politicians not to play politics with people’s lives.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Oct, 2026) Asad Umar, former minister, stated that not every problem is a nail and not every solution is a hammer. He mentioned that numerous innocent Pashtuns had sacrificed their lives, while many soldiers had also laid down their lives, and suggested the Interior Minister consider meeting with tribal elders instead of issuing a 72-hour ultimatum.
"For God’s sake, do not play politics with the lives of the people of this country."
In a post on X, he emphasized that no compromise is possible on terrorism. A jirga (tribal council) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa elders was held in November 2025, resulting in a declaration with unanimous consensus.
All major political parties in the province, including the Pakistan Muslim League, Pakistan Peoples Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islami, Jamaat-e-Islami, Awami National Party, and others, participated in this jirga and signed the declaration.
He advocated for using this declaration as a foundation for counter-terrorism efforts, suggesting that instead of threats, the Interior Minister should engage in dialogue with these elders. He proposed assessing if both the federal and provincial governments have fulfilled their obligations outlined in the declaration and holding accountable anyone found negligent. If the federal government seeks additional measures, they should discuss them with the elders.
Asad Umar concluded by emphasizing that not all problems require a hammer, and alternative approaches are needed for addressing various issues. He mentioned the sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan, particularly Pashtuns, in the fight against terrorism and urged politicians to avoid exploiting these sensitive matters for political gain.
In a separate statement on the birthday of Imran Khan, former finance minister Asad Umar highlighted his achievements: becoming a Test cricketer at 20, leading Pakistan to victory in the World Cup at 40, founding a cancer hospital at 50, and rising to become one of the country’s most popular politicians by 60. Now, at 74, he is drawing global attention as a prisoner.