Sir: The dastardly attack in our nation’s capital on March 3, 2014, when terror struck the district courts, has left residents of Islamabad numb and fearful. That such a brazen attack can occur in what is probably the most fortified city in the country is an eye-opener indeed. We lost 11 souls that day, including an honourable judge and budding law students. How can the authorities lend any justification to peace talks now? How can they announce any form of negotiations with those barbarians who steal away our children and professionals? Islamabad is no longer the haven we were once led to believe it to be and our loved ones are no longer safe anywhere. It is time to push back all those who would have bright and promising people killed. We can no longer live in a terrorist state. FAWAD MAZHAR Islamabad