A file photo of Taliban fighters. PHOTO: AFP / FILE
The Tekreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Sunday warned the government of a severe backlash against its wrongful and exaggerated claim of having broken the back of the militia.
The warning comes a day after Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the government had TTP in a corner through effective use of its anti-terrorism strategy.
Malik also reportedly said in Sialkot on Saturday that Pakistan is now moving towards the goal of ‘durable peace’, political and economic stability, urging the nation to unite for the sake of uprooting terrorism and militancy from the country.
In a veiled reference to the minister’s remarks, the TTP also rejected demands for a ceasefire and advised those making such demands to call for a halt to air assaults in the tribal regions.
“Have those asking us to take serious steps ever called for a halt to the bombing of tribal regions by the Pakistan Air Force jets and American drones,” the TTP statement said. The statement was read out by the TTP spokesman, Ehsanullah Ehsan in a telephonic call from an undisclosed location.
“We had offered peace dialogue in the national interest but secular elements did not like our serious offer and they have started making non-serious demands,” Ehsan quoted the TTP statement as saying.
He said that certain elements are describing the TTP talks offer as a sign of weakness. “Such remarks can force us into making a fearsome response,” the TTP spokesman went on to say.
The TTP statement said the government should act now as time is fast running out.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 11th, 2013.
COMMENTS (18)
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Isn’t it ironic that people who keep killing innocent Pakistanis now come out and say, “fear us” or else we will kill more? It is amazing that, while they talk about peace, just yesterday one of their planted IED killed a Pakistani Army Captain and his two soldiers. Our condolences go out to the families of the brave Pakistanis who sacrificed their lives for their country. We also strongly condemn the threats made by TTP. Neither we, nor the Pakistani people, will fear them. They are cowards who hide in mountain holes while they use young brainwashed teenage kids to do their evil deeds. The Pakistani security forces are make inroads in the treacherous northern mountains and hunting down the terrorists who pride themselves in killing the innocent. We stand by you in your quest for a peaceful Pakistan without intimidation and fear.
Abdul Quddus DET-United States Central Command
@J: that's why u just write J.
We fear wild animals not due to respect but due to their killing instincts!!!
This warning should be taken seriously as they are ruthless killers who have been given a loose rope by the country's security forces which only Allah knows why. The IM should not be issuing such provocative statements leading to deaths of the innocent people. One has to agree with TTP that their back is not broken but it is the state which is in the ICU.
Taliban are not Muslims. They don't have quality that a Muslim suppose to have. There should not be any respect for those who don't care about human life - regardless of their creed or religion.
NUKE and castrate TTP where ever you may find them!
@Allah ka banda
They're NOT our or anybody's brothers. They're ruthless killers. That's all. Please stop living in a fool's paradise.
Dont talk to TTP... Cut them up into pieces and fliush those pieces into the gutter.
@ AA.. nice suggestion.
@ Allah ka Banda
Most probably Talibans will not read your comments on Express Tribune, you have to go to the tribal areas for that, on your own expenses and responsibility :p
Dear Talibans u r our Muslim brothers please don't tarnish the image of Islam as our religion never permits to take lives of the innocent people please think please please....
Talking About Dr. Abdur Rehman Malik, One must keep one thing in mind and that is, never believe what he is saying.
May the creator ask him to come back.
Malik shall not challenge TTP to let them prove his tall claims wrong. He is well secured in the red zone; what about general public left at the mercy of TTP and other secterian miscreants.
Can someone ask Taliban why they are bothering for peace talks, while they have not ceased their attacks?
Fear? why should we fear from you ? fear from God only.....
TTP I think you should be sensible enough to not consider Rehman Malik serious
Fearing !!
Rehman Malik where are you and now reply the Taliban and prove that Taliban's backbone has really been broken and don't give just verbal statements.....