Former Lal Masjid chief cleric refuses to be part of TTP peace talks

Maulana Abdul Aziz says that he prays for the success of the negotiations but cannot take part in them.


Web Desk February 01, 2014
Former chief cleric of Lal Masjid Maulana Abdul Aziz. PHOTO: AFP

Former chief cleric of Lal Masjid Maulana Abdul Aziz refuses to take part in the peace negotiations with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Express News reported on Saturday.

Major (retd) Muhammad Amir, a former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) official had requested Maulana Aziz to be a part of the peace talks.

The former chief cleric said that he prays for the success of the negotiations but cannot take part in them.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had set out an open mandate for a four-member committee of negotiators to formally initiate peace talks with TTP, inviting the grouping on January 31 to follow suit and constitute its own negotiating team.

On January 29, TTP spokesperson Shahidullah Shahid had welcomed peace talks with the government soon after Nawaz announced the committee in the National Assembly. Shahid had said the final decision regarding talks would be made by the shura (consultation council).

The committee comprises Adviser on National Affairs Irfan Siddiqui, Major (retd) Amir, senior journalist Rahimullah Yousufzai as well as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader and former Pakistan ambassador to Afghanistan Rustam Shah Mohmand. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan would assist the committee and the premier would oversee it.

COMMENTS (24)

Parvez | 10 years ago | Reply

Why did the TTP leave out Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman and Munawar Hassan ?

Mirza | 10 years ago | Reply

Both Aziz and IK are trusted, respected and endorsed by TTP to the extent that they nominated them to plead their case. However just like Aziz, IK as a politician has distanced themselves a bit away from TTP. Of course IK and PTI coalition partner JI perhaps would continue for fight the case for TTP as their voters are few but solid supporters.

VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ