TTP accuses govt of stepping up attacks in tribal areas

Published March 23, 2014
Pakistani Taliban spokesman Shahidullah Shahid (c) along with other members of the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). — File photo
Pakistani Taliban spokesman Shahidullah Shahid (c) along with other members of the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). — File photo

MIRAMSHAH: The outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has accused the government of increasing attacks on militant hideouts and raids on houses of its members in tribal areas.

Despite a ceasefire announced by it earlier this month, its members in the custody of law enforcement agencies are not only being tortured but tortured with greater intensity, the TTP has said.

TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid told media personnel by phone on Saturday that instead of reciprocating his group’s goodwill gesture with a befitting move the authorities had intensified activities against the militants.

He said the government did not seem to be sincere towards dialogue with the TTP.

After the announcement of a ceasefire by the Taliban shura, the government should have refrained from shelling or raiding the militants’ hideouts. But, he added, shelling of the militants’ hideouts as well as their houses had registered a sharp increase over the past few days.

Incidents involving torture of TTP members in all jails of the country, particularly in Karachi, were also increasing, he said. Some of the TTP members had been moved to prisons in Sukkur and Hyderabad after being tortured.

It seemed that the government wanted the militants to resume carrying out attacks across the country, the TTP spokesman added.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...