Truce with TTP

The ceasefire with TTP is holding. The good point is that the banned outfit and the military authorities have made some headway, and agreed to extend the truce for an indefinite period.

This trust could go a long way in furthering peace and prosperity in one of the most volatile bordering regions of the world, and pave the way for exterminating terrorism. Nonetheless, there are some contentious issues that are being ironed out, and Kabul’s patronage has blessed it with due acknowledgment. It is hoped that the dialogue, which will now be conducted by the Haqqani Network chief, will double down with assured results, and help ensure tranquillity across the board. This second phase of the deal simply consolidates the understanding reached earlier between warring factions. The thrust is to secure Pakistan’s territory from cross-border attacks and infiltration, which has literally unnerved its security. With the change of guard in Afghanistan and splinter groups on the run, the TTP too has holed itself in the war-torn country and plotting operations inside Pakistan. This is an enigma and a serious threat, and has to be checked somehow. The reason behind the format of dialogue is to find an amicable settlement so that the tendency of militancy could come to end. But this strategy is not owing to any weakness or a compromise from the military brass, but to give real peace a chance and pull the region back from the brink.

The talks provide a moment of realisation, and the prime target is to chalk out a roadmap for serenity. Pakistan has worked selflessly for regional peace, and has been at the vanguard for providing relief to the distressed Afghans. It has been a victim of terror as it saw millions of people displaced and more than 80,000 casualties. These aspects cannot be ignored while striking a peace deal involving the conflicting parties. Some of the demands from TTP are untenable, to say the least, such as release of convicted criminals and calling off mop operations inside Pakistan. Whereas, other points related to CBMs and ensuring harmony can be worked out. This necessitates some critical balancing, and a firm denominator to bring under the peace umbrella all nonstate actors. The region desperately needs a break from jingoism. The fault-lines are many and need to be watched out.