Direct govt-TTP talks could take place tomorrow: Sami

Published March 20, 2014
Maulana Samiul Haq.      — File photo
Maulana Samiul Haq. — File photo

MULTAN: Chief of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)-nominated team to hold peace talks with the government, Maulana Samiul Haq, said on Thursday that the location to hold direct talks between the two parties would be decided today and the meeting could take place tomorrow, DawnNews reported.

Speaking to media persons in Multan, Sami said the actual demands would come forward once both the sides sit together.

He also said that Pakistan's constitution was based on the principles of Islam and the real issue was its proper implementation.

He moreover claimed that all factions of the Taliban were united over the issue of holding talks and added that the Ahrarul Hind was a fictitious group which had no links with the TTP.

Sami also said that the TTP were asked to release a few prisoners as a gesture of goodwill and also to deal with elements that could possibly sabotage the peace talks.

The dialogue process which was started by the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has entered a decisive stage now with the formation of a new government committee to mediate with the Taliban leadership.

The ongoing peace talks between the two parties struck an impasse last month after Taliban-linked militants murdered 23 kidnapped Pakistani paramilitary soldiers.

The killings resulted in multiple targeted airstrikes by the military against suspected hideouts in the tribal northwest bordering Afghanistan.

The Taliban then announced a one-month-long ceasefire which was reciprocated by the government by halting its airstrikes.

Following the progress, the government had announced that it would enter into direct peace talks with the Taliban.

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...