TTP spokesperson Shahidullah Shahid. PHOTO: FILE
The decision was reportedly taken during a meeting of the TTP shura and TTP spokesperson Shahidullah Shahid confirmed the announcement today.
Shahidullah Shahid further said that they are waiting for a reply from the government and hope that it will be positive.
"TTP is once again showing seriousness and responsibility, and in order to wait for an answer from the government, is extending the ceasefire until April 10," said Shahid. "The mujahideen are being ordered to cease all activities against the government and security forces for this period."
The banned outfit had declared the ceasefire on March 1 in an effort to revive the peace initiative which had collapsed following the slaying of 23 paramilitary troops by the group’s Mohmand chapter. Reciprocating the move, the government had also called off surgical air strikes against suspected Taliban hideouts in the tribal belt.
The TTP had asked all its affiliates to put a halt to all sorts of ‘Jihadi’ activities for a period of one month. This was conveyed in a short statement sent to the media by the group’s spokesperson.
The government and the Taliban are in a second round of talks which have been described by their interlocutors as ‘decisive’.
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our destiny in hand of shareefs of Macca
@Ahmed: Bravo, nice reply. @Mr. Honest.. Besides I would like to remind you that we have trained our Army for what? ZAB laid foundation of Pakistan's nuclear program and NS pressed the trigger, and do you know Mr. Honest that these politicians, civilians and journalist besides sacrificing their lives in the line of duty also pay taxes from which our armed forces and intelligence agencies are paid salaries, so it is their duty to protect the citizens of Pakistan regardless of all biases and we know that our army is well trained for all kind of challenges.
@Mr. Honest: The people sacrificed over 55,000 thousand dead. Men women and children. Non combatants. More than 80,000 injured, some grievously. Disabled for life. Including a teenager named Aitzaz, killed. And a young lawyer Fizha, killed. A 10 year old boy blown away 2 days ago. Naushera.
@Professor:
Good observation. This is a precursor to the Spring offensive...
I am not sure what is going on with these groups and how it becomes a civil war like situation in Pakistan. But Pakistan needs to get out of this mess asap
What a shame. At one side govt is negotiating with anti state actors and terrorists whereas on the on the other hand they are punishing a patriot soldier who fought wars for this country and gave it progress without any charges of corruption. Seems NS and IK are working closely against state.
@Mr. Honest: The politician and rich industrialist never allow their wards to join the Army it is the duty of poor common man to make sacrifices and they will just rule and enjoy.
@Mr. Honest: The Armed Forces take up a major portion of our budget for what? They are paid to do a job and that is to protect us! We have already sacrificed too much! What more do you want? The Army has all the toys. Use them like they did a month ago and these talibans announced a ceasefire. and stop giving such lame, apologistic excuses!
what a shameful state surrender it is. at least they should impose some kind deadline to 'talk'. show that you have upper hand. but I doubt on Pakistani leadership.
good step...it will bring peace..
Everyone who opposes negotiations and peace talks, inparticular politicians and journalists, we should make a battalion out of them and if they are old then their sons, and send them ALL to the front lines in North Waziristan... We need everyones sacrifice in this war, dont we???
The snow in the mountains is expected to melt around the 10th of April.
They want govt to release all the un exploded suicide bomber, calling them non-combatants, at the same time, they themselves did not agree to release the sons of the PPP members, considering them, perhaps, combatants.
They are proving again that THEY control the narrative.
@Salman: Nawaz Sharif + Imran Khan
Actually Govt should be giving Dead Lines not these terrorists, Looks like April 11 is dooms day. One Astrologer predict that year 2029 war will start in Pakistan by these Terrorists. So crush them now or never.!!!!
see Imu had already said how nice these barbarians are, i think we should all worship them now for being so kind and gentle with us
The state seems completely at the mercy of terrorists. They announced a month long ceasefire when they were being attacked and when the government doubled down despite its upper hand, they are now announcing piecemeal ceasefires. This is psychological victory. This isn't a surprise considering we have Taliban sympathisers in influential positions in both PMLN and PTI. The demise of our way of life will be a non-event.
Delaying tactics so that they can regroup. Nawaz Sharif would be responsible if these talks fail which they will.