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Pakistani Taliban announce month-long ceasefire
PESHAWAR: Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has announced a month-long ceasefire with the Pakistani government. The Taliban’s decision was confirmed by TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid.
"We announce a month-long ceasefire from today and appeal to all our comrades to respect the decision and refrain from any activity during this period," the spokesman said.
Shahid said the decision was taken with the consent of the Taliban Shura and chief of the outlawed group. The spokesman added that peace talks with the government had been initiated with honest intentions and seriousness.
According to Shahidullah Shahid a positive response had been received by the Taliban committee from the government over elimination of the deadlock in talks and announcement of ceasefire. He further said assurances had been provided to the Taliban over implementation of their recommendations.
The Taliban’s ceasefire announcement was welcomed by the government’s committee. Member of the committee, Irfan Siddiqui said the announcement was a positive step.
Talks between the two committees stalled after the Taliban targeted Pakistan’s security forces and civilians in several terrorist attacks. Following the deadlock, surgical strikes conducted by fighter jets and gunship helicopters were carried out targeting militant hideouts in the tribal areas.
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan had announced that dialogue remained a priority but the government would not allow anybody to challenge its writ.
On Friday, the minister informed parliamentarians that an operation was not underway in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) but surgical strikes were being carried out.
On January 29, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif speaking on the National Assembly floor said peace deserved another chance as he announced the formation of a committee to hold talks with the TTP.
Courtesy www.geo.tv