TTP spokesperson says government is making announcements only by media, no peace talks have started. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
The government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been edging towards peace talks to end the TTP bloody six-year struggle against the state, which has left thousands dead.
Last month Nawaz won the backing of the main political parties to go ahead with dialogue, and the powerful army chief has voiced his support.
Officials said Thursday that the "process of dialogue" had started but no formal talks had taken place yet.
TTP spokesperson Shahidullah Shahid told AFP on Friday that there had been no overtures.
"No one has yet contacted us. The government is making announcements only by media, no peace talks have yet been started," Shahid said.
"The beginning of peace talks means sitting at a table and discussing issues, no such thing has yet happened."
After the political parties gave their backing to talks, the TTP issued a list of preconditions including the release of all its members held in jails and the withdrawal of troops from the tribal areas along the Afghan border, where the militants have hideouts.
Shahid on Friday reiterated these demands and said the government must fulfil them to prove they are serious about talks.
COMMENTS (22)
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i thinkthe government led the nation astray by giving the impression of initiating peace talk with the TTP,bt the same time it was targetting strong holds of the TTP for the pleasure of united states.The killing of TTP leader represents a major set back and it also represents a major obstacle to the governments efforts to begin peace talk to ends the TTP,S insurgency.
Party is over for TTP. Real civilized people are wasting the animals..
Read between the lines, "no breakthrough in the talks." Well, its no surprise. BTW where is that table around which we have to sit (surrounded by your suicide bombers) and talk Shahidullah Shahid?
So TTP adherence to Pakistani Constitution is no longer a pre condition? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ what constitution?
@The Only Normal Person Here: " TTP is sucha drama queen." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ and NS an equal drama king?
It is no secret that the nation of Pakistan has been plagued with terrorism in recent times. Thousands of innocent lives have been lost inside Pakistan due to indiscriminate killings. Pakistani security forces continue to lay their lives down in countering insurgency. We greatly appreciate their sacrifices and fully support their efforts to counter insurgency. At the same time, we wish to see peace prevail throughout the country. Pakistan’s security and stability is simply vital to the region’s security and stability. We simply cannot over emphasize Pakistan’s importance in the region. We hope to stay unified, and also remain optimistic in regards to achieving our shared peace objectives in the region.
Ali Khan DET, United States Central Command
hahhaahhahha epic replay @ Shahid
This is in line with yesterday's news of your paper: " Ch. Nisar said that though the dialogue process with the Taliban had begun, no formal talks have occurred as yet."
What is this news about?
Please check your email!
"Tehreek-i-Taliban say 'no contact' yet over talks"
Perhaps the Govt. representatives contacted the wrong factions unaware which faction is the real representative of so many factions of TTP..............
Real TTP please stand up...please stand up..................
I think and all of the country would agree that this matter is the most serious one for Pakistan but still the seriousness by our Government is missing.
Was the PM lying when he announced that negotiations are underway???
If TTP is showing a little quest for peace talk then it is our government that does not want to negotiate. It is a chance for our Government to step forward for the negotiation. Many promises are made, now some action time.