Govt-TTP talks to discuss recovery of Shahbaz Taseer, Haider Gilani

Published March 24, 2014
Professor Ibrahim. — File photo
Professor Ibrahim. — File photo

ISLAMABAD: Rustam Shah, one of the state-committee’s members for peace talks with Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), said Monday that the government had completed its homework for pursuing talks with the banned militant organisation, DawnNews reported.

Rustam added that the government team was planning to hold direct talks with the Taliban tomorrow and had the weather not turned for the worse, then the meeting could have taken place today.

He said the government had also prepared its list of demands.

Sources told DawnNews that the government would negotiate the recovery of former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani’s son Syed Ali Haider Gilani, Shahbaz Taseer, the son of former Punjab governor Salman Taseer and Ajmal Khan.

Meanwhile, the Taliban committee’s representative Professor Ibrahim said he was in continuous contact with the government’s negotiators.

He said the date for holding talks would be finalised today.

Earlier, the TTP had proposed its stronghold of North Waziristan as the venue, while the government wanted to hold talks in Bannu.

Opinion

Editorial

Kabul visit
Updated 26 Mar, 2025

Kabul visit

Islamabad should continue to emphasise that presence of terrorists on Afghan soil stands in the way of normal commercial ties.
Drought warning
26 Mar, 2025

Drought warning

DRIVEN by rising temperatures linked to climate change, increasing drought events across Pakistan have affected tens...
Deadly roads
26 Mar, 2025

Deadly roads

DESPITE daytime restrictions on heavy vehicles, Karachi continues to witness one horrific traffic accident after...
Shortcut tactics
Updated 25 Mar, 2025

Shortcut tactics

IMF’s decision to veto move to reduce retail power tariffs seems to be against interests of middle-class consumers.
Unforced error
Updated 25 Mar, 2025

Unforced error

State must not push ordinary citizens away with its excesses when dealing with Balochistan.
Losing again
25 Mar, 2025

Losing again

WHEN Pakistan’s high-risk Twenty20 approach did not work, there was no fallback plan and they collapsed in a heap...