The head of Pakistan's military has said the army supports the government's policy of dialogue with Islamic militants.
General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani made the comments at the Pakistan Military Academy in Abbottabad on October 12.
He said the army would be "more than happy“ if negotiations lead to peace.
But he warned that the military had the ability to handle the issue by force if needed.
Kayani, who is to retire as Pakistan's army chief in November, also cautioned that any solution to the Islamic militancy should adhere to the country's constitution.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has announced plans to stage talks with the Taliban to end years of fighting that has killed thousands of people.
The negotiations have made little progress so far.
General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani made the comments at the Pakistan Military Academy in Abbottabad on October 12.
He said the army would be "more than happy“ if negotiations lead to peace.
But he warned that the military had the ability to handle the issue by force if needed.
Kayani, who is to retire as Pakistan's army chief in November, also cautioned that any solution to the Islamic militancy should adhere to the country's constitution.
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Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has announced plans to stage talks with the Taliban to end years of fighting that has killed thousands of people.
The negotiations have made little progress so far.