(Read: Making it explicit - We will talk to the Haqqani network, says PM)
Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said a day earlier that his administration was ready to hold negotiations with all militant groups, including the Haqqani network. “The TTP welcomes the prime minister’s offer,” Maulvi Faqir Muhammad, TTP’s deputy commander and commander-in-chief in Bajaur Agency, told The Express Tribune by phone from an undisclosed location. But he set two preconditions for dialogue: The government should reconsider its relationship with the United States and enforce Islamic sharia in the country.
Maulvi Faqir and other senior TTP cadres are believed to be hiding in the eastern Afghan provinces of Kunar and Nuristan. And Islamabad has blamed militants led by Maulvi Faqir for the recent cross-border attacks on its security forces.
“We have always had serious doubts about Pakistan-US relations. The United States has never been sincere to Pakistan or Muslims in general,” he said.
Although Maulvi Faqir showed willingness for negotiations, he said that his group would not accept Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain as a negotiator. “Mian Iftikhar should not be part of any reconciliatory talks,” he added, identifying him as one of his group’s biggest enemies.
Maulvi Faqir said that his group believed in direct talks, and would not accept mediation. “We want direct talks with the government and not through intermediaries,” he added.
To a question, Maulvi Faqir said that his fighters were not battle-fatigued. “We will continue to fight till the establishment of an Islamic state. But if our demands are met and an Islamic justice system is established in Pakistan, which is our country, we will lay down our weapons because we are peace-loving people,” he said.
(Read: If the US attacks Pakistan - TTP says it will not blindly side with Islamabad)
Interestingly, Maulvi Faqir told the BBC in an interview on Sunday that the TTP would not blindly support the Pakistani government, if the United States mounted a ground attack. He had also blamed Pakistan for playing a “double game” in Afghanistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 4th, 2011.
COMMENTS (72)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
Can these barbarian thugs be trusted ???
Please tell the I.S.I to include Kurram as well in the coming talks with the Govt.
TTP = Talking Trash about Peace.
Only PEOPLE of Pakistan decide what laws they want. Taliban do not represent us Pakistanis.
@PEACE: talk which kind of talks and why again when we have already learned lesson in last 10 years .it will be nothing fruitless and give more time and space to enemies of peace to penetrate in society
@ roflcopter - you are a typically delusional Pakistani brother. Your comments on every thread show hate and bigotry built on a foundation of utter ignorance.
There should be no negotiating with the TTP. GOP is great at double games. Invite the TTP to talks and ambush them. Finish all the terrorists this way in secret meetings and be done with them.
TO MR PRIME MINISTER GILLANI very unfortunate statement given by PM Gillani on oct 2. “If negotiations fail to work, the government will launch military operations in the tribal areas,” he told a small group of journalists at his private residence in Lahore. .how can he says this is this a kids play . respected PM are you again willing to talk with these extremist who are killers of our nation who are selling their agenda in name of religion .Does our PM prepare any strategy or our intelligentsia having any plans? but just tell us what lesson you had learned form Swat peace accord and before that some accords in FATA .Mr Gillani may be forget this statement in few days but now he should must reply to TTP Leader Malvi faqeer's statement who has come on scene once again and very confidently said“We will continue to fight till the establishment of an Islamic state. But if our demands are met and an Islamic justice system is established in Pakistan, which is our country, we will lay down our weapons because we are peace-loving people,” and second “We want direct talks with the government and not through intermediaries,” he added. do Mr Gillani has any answer of Molvi Faqeer preconditions .has he made strategy for Sharia in country and would he set aside the sacrifices of all civilians .policemen other forces .TTP has ruin our country but how powerful they are that once again we are inviting them for talks and they are setting conditions .they don't want Mian Iftikhar Hussain to sit in talks .Because he is in those who are very clear about agenda of these militants he is in those who has given their young sons in war of survival .
I want to ask civil and millitery government tell us clearly what they actually want in clear words what they have decided for our''s and our generations fate????
We all know what happened with the 'peace agreement' in Swat. Can't trust a word these people say.
@BruteForce, I believe you're confused. RAW supporting TTP doesn't mean TTP is a creation of RAW, they are simply being used... so no, I haven't changed my mind.
@Send to the Gas Chambers: Those are US vs a faction of Afghans. US is an invading force there.
In Pakistan these TTP are outlaws, animals, dogs. We are independent country with a govt and elections. There is no other party in govt except pakistanis. And these animals must be hunted down like mad dogs.
Haqqani Network denies ISI links to it. TTP thanks Pakistan for peace overture. What next?
kill these TTP terrorists,,,we dont want talks with them,,,
Umer Farooq : Do u realise the full import of what you have said. The Americans negotiate with the Talibans so that they can get out of Afganistan. And U want Pak to negotiate with TTP so that they can get in officially. God save you, my friend.
Talk with the murderers who wants to turn the country into an Islamic theocracy ... for god sake don't into adventure that land this country in yet another quagmire, she has been weakened so much and can't afford to be handed over to these killers. They will never let go away with what they are doing, these thugs. Even if they do, it will just be for a few months and then they will be out with their "masheties" again. They are weakened now, their back is almost broken, it's the time to eliminate them and not get into IK's theory
@Umer Farooq:
WE NEED ELECTRICITY NOT FALSE PRIDE AND BUM
@Roflcopter:
Weren't you one of the many who were saying JUST YESTERDAY(!) that TTP was supported by RAW. Now, you are saying the talks should happen.
Why did you change your mind or were you intentionally diverting the topic yesterday, fully knowing that there is no proof that India is behind TTP?
Talk with the murderers who wants to turn the country into an Islamic theocracy ... for god sake don't into adventure that land this country in yet another quagmire, she has been weakened so much and can't afford to be handed over to these killers. They will never let go away with what they are doing, these thugs. Even if they do, it will just be for a few months and then they will be out with their "masheties" again. They are weakened now, their back is almost broken, it's the time to eliminate them and not get into IK's theory..
Talk with the murderers who wants to turn the country into an Islamic theocracy ... for god sake don't into adventure that land this country in yet another quagmire, she has been weakened so much and can't afford to be handed over to these killers. They will never let go away with what they are doing, these thugs. Even if they do, it will just be for a few months and then they will be out with their "masheties" again. They are weakened now, their back is almost broken, it's the time to eliminate them and not get into IK's theory.
If Americans can negotiate with Taliban in Afghanistan, why not Pakistan with TTP.. Go ahead PM, 180 Million people would stand by you... But keep one thing in mind, dont play this time... we dont need electricity, but peace...
@Rabbani: Though i dont agree with most of the policies of the taliban but mualvi faqir is right in calling for the islamic system of justice to be enforced in Pakistan.This is not 'His' system but the system revealed by the creator of the heavens and earth,the ALL KNOWLEDGEABLE AND ALL WISE.We have tried the system of kufr and it has failed and is bound to fail .Every imaginable manisfestation of evil has surrounded us and has become so widespread as to take down the whole country with it .Criticizing shariat takes one out of the fold of islam .God says in His holy book " And whoever contradicts and opposes the messenger after the right path has been shown clearly to him ,and follows other than the believer's way ,We shall keep him in the path he has chosen ,and burn him in hell-what an evil destination ."(4:115). Islamic shariat only advocates that justice be done ,rapists ,murderers ,thieves should be punished severely and openly .people playing with lives ,properties and honor of the people should be brought to book. Orpans,masakeen ,and the distressed people should be helped ,zakat should be given ,security and an equal opportunity should be given to all in every sphere of life and every body is equal irrespective of their personal and wealth status,the ruler and the ruled should pray together.It is a system whose author is God Almighty Himself given to us through His beloved messenger.And finally Who knows us better than the creator Himself and God does nt do injustice to the weight of an atom in His decrees,laws ,judgements and acts concerning His servants.
Assalam-o-Allaikum Warahmatullah.This is golden chance Allah Almighty gave to Pakistani leadership to start peace negotiation with Taliban without any US' leadership' fear for real,stable and permanent peace in Pakistan without thinking it that what the results shall be occurred in Afghanistan against and for US' and NATO troops whereas Pakistani leaders have seen the real face of US' leaders and now they prefer Pakistan's and its nation's security.
TTP SHOULD FIRST SURRENDER
THE PEACE IS FROM BOTH SIDES. OTHERWISE THOSE KILL EVEN CHILDREN WHO WILL TRUST THEM
EVEN TEHREEK E TALIBAN MEMEMBERS PARENTS WILL BE NOT TRUSTING THEM
@Rabbani: If this is your attitude then nobody can go any further with your intelligence. Being an open secret, the TTP is 180 degrees to other Taliban groups and suspicions have arisen who is supporting the, RAW, AL Qaeda or the ISAF and NATO.
Their one-track interpretation of Islamic Sharia in indigestible but that does not mean saner elements are not available. Three decades of fighting is enough to drive a human being over the edge. But the perpetrators of violence and invasion; the USA and its cohorts, have dehumanized themselves and should be told to push all their war machinery and intrigues and conspiracies as you suggested TTP should do. Salams.
@Digvijay Singh.
Bismillahir Rahman-nir Raheem
I think, I will play by your rules Digvijay.
We Pakistanis have interfered in others affairs too much for too long. We have cultivated this unreasonable hatred for your country. We pricked you several times and actually got hurt in the process.
We have interfered with Afghanistan. We supported Taliban and turned an average Afghan's life into a living hell.
We have bred these monsters on our backyard and frontyard. We thought, these monsters will only attack India and America and Afghanistan and in our far fetched imagination, even Israel.
Today, we are reaping the fruits of breeding extremism. Yesterday, in my town, people went crazy. In our area I noticed about 8 hours of power cut, when I was home. I was out for about 12 hours. So, I don't know the full extent of the power outage. We don't have the basic needs. I am suffering everyday. Yet, we want to control Afghanistan and we want Kashmir.
Let Kashmiris be happy with India. What will they get by becoming a Pakistani? An accidental gun shot at a volleyball match? What can we offer Kashmiris excep for utter chaos and misery?
This is absurd. I don't see my beloved Pakistan seeing Qayamat. Inshahallah it will.
We can see Allah's wrath on us in various forms.
I hope we wake up.
they are the real enemies of ISLAM & PAKISTAN paid by America, India & Israeal. . . !!!
This has to stop, violence is never an answer to any problem, sit down and discuss hat are the problems and how to resolve them. Offcourse on the conditions set by Govt not them. Give peace a chance and also when you want peace you talk to your enemies not your friends.
Ladies, if USA can talk to Mr Taliban man and offer to open office in Qatar or one of em countries, why can we not talk to these people.
Look at him.. he hardly looks like he attended school for a month and he is going to tell me how I'm going to live my life?.. Yes I'm Muslim and I would want Islamic Law in my country not the kind this criminal is preaching.
@Rao: I pray to God that was sarcasm..
Even if they want so-called 'Islamic Law' this is no way to do it. Government and people of Pakistan need to send a strong message that killing and violence done for political ends has NO place in any society! NO to negotiating with terrorists!
Pls negotiate your best with TTP on some of the issues,
1.Ladies barred from attending schools.
2.Sharia laws will be imposed(for fair mainded Pakistanis, pls read Holy Kuran)
3.Music shops will be closed.
4.Length of beard will measure piousness.
5.Sultan Imran will be first calipah of Islamic emerates of Pakistan.
Best of Luck.
India says they are ready to talk with Pakistan. Now TTP says they are ready to talk with Pakistan. Does the sovereign state of Pakistan exist any more ?
So now it is Pakistan's turn to bend on its knees and listen to these butchers and negotiate peace on their terms?
They blow up innocent people. Have no regard for women or children. Wants to use women for their pleasure only. Don't want their daughters to go to school as education for them is prohibited. All this is done in the name of Islam – the version that they preach.
When they were in power in Afghanistan, what did they ever achieve beside blowing up other religion's holy places. Was there any progress for people, or Afghan society? Their fame was executing women for adultery. But their partners (men) were never executed. Was any industry established, or dam built in their era? Did they took the society forward or into Pre-Islam era? Got the picture? Still wants to negotiate with them?
Pakistan govt talking to TTP is a victory for them.
TTP did not claim responsibility for the attack on school children nor are they suspected by the locals to have conducted the attack. While I have no soft corner for these enemies of Islam and Pakistan, such accusations divert attention from the real culprits, who in this case, are hardcore criminals pretending to have raised anti militant village committees and aim at government support in terms of funds and weapons through such tactics.
They should lay down their arms, and go home. There is nothing to negotiate. Who is forcing them to kill troops and civilians
These murderers deserve annihilation not talks.
@Roflcopter: What good news? His Islamic laws or him gaining time to regroup and kill more innocent Pakistanis.
if we negotiate with these barbarians that have murdered so many army Jawaans in the name of Islam we will bring great shame on our nation But at least Imran khan will be happy
Never trust a dog that has bitten you in the past - when will our politicians learn or get some backbone to face up to these animals?
@Rabbani: Dont forget Pakistan was made on the name of Islam. And if you dont want Islamic law, than it was no use creating Pakistan. No use get a million people killed. No use divinding India. Pakistan was made on the name of Islam, and InshAllah Islamic law will be enforced in Pakistan. If not by this government than the next will do it InshAllah!!
Very bad move from the GOP. We had ample opportunity in last 10 yrs, to get rid of these troublemakers once and for all when the international opinion was supportive. Today, once again GOP has chicken out and further allow its territory to be used by these groups in future as part of the deal.We are digging our own graves by tolerating these troublemakers more and more for strategic depth. Even if US, Britain and India wants to talk to these people, let them but in my opinion, its time we must move away from these violent groups, clean Pak and focus on our development and growth. Very shameful that after 10 years of destruction we will allow these groups to prosper once again.
*** F A C T * TTP is vertible arm of CIA keeping US interest in Pakistan...and this is not an allegation..its a fact ....recent History tells us all..they are the one who killed and put bombs in the public places....and they are so so low that they killed innocent school going children in a school bus... they should be washed away from the surface of the earth !!!!!!!!!!!!
Any conditional talks are not welcome..they are no one to tell us who not to include or what to talk..is they agree on the constitution of Pakistan which clearly says that every law has to be made according to the Islamic teachings then there is no point of arguing on Islamic sharia..we Pakistanis dont believe in the type of Islam TTP wants to oppose on us..if they want to talk under the constitution then it is OK other wise if thae talks fail then we all 1 hundred and eight million should equip our selves with weapons and do the operation against them instead of telling army to do so..we are giving peace a chance..enough blood shed..but TTP should obey the land of the law....no two ways about it..
there is no talkk with animals and hyenas.... humans only hunt them like mad dogs thats how TTP and their supporters should be dealt with
So basically he wants to negotiate, but has no agenda, just wants to impose Islamic Law, that is called an agenda!!! His group believes in "peace", your group is a bunch of criminals infringing on Pakistan's sovereignty! We dont need negotiations, we need him to sign terms of surrender.
Imposition of islamic law and break ties with US are their demands.
So now PAK wants to hold peace talk with these guys. Good going
Peace Talks with any one including TTP is good but if TTP is still standing on the point of imposition of Islamic law in the country and specially when they have their own created islamic law which may not be the Sunah of Nabi Pak Salallahowalehe wasalam, then who can gurantee peace? Sincer regards A True Muslim
How these culprist report to news media but our forces or drone don't able to locate?
Great News ... finally demons are becoming an angel ...
Something Stunning is Underway .. The news Crew cannot even fathom it .. To all who will curse this news i say ... Just Wait & See everything will be all right
They know they are losing this war and that is why they want negotiations it will give them a breathing space to regroup and reorganize.... we have already made the mistake of trying to negotiate with them once we should not make the same mistake again.....
This is the first attack on US and Indian policies, because, it is India which is more desperate to engage Pakistan Army and ISI against Taliban. So, this is a welcome statement from both government and TTP.
What a beautiful joke "TTP believes in peace"
Amicable talks can take place if he really only wants Islamic law in Pakistan. I thought Pakistan already has Islamic laws. Muslims need not be afraid of Islamic laws in an Islamic country. Imran Khan is of the same view. However, it is important what all Pakistanis want in the form of law, and not just what the TTP spokesman wants.
This is a very good news for Pakistan.
How conveniently he said that TTP believes in peace, a slap on the face of everyone calling himself a peacemaker!!!
The only reason the TTP is welcoming talks at this point in time is because they are desperate. Their past few attacks have proven that the TTP are cornered and have no choice left but to target residences of the ppl theyre against.
If the govt were to go ahead and hold talks with these crooks, Id strongly suggest they be cautious. Have people forgotten the time when Maulana Sufi Mohd. agreed to have a ceasefire in Swat, just to buy time to re group and launch more attacks on the ppl of Swat.
So looks like TTP is ready to go back on government pay-roll.
TTP should wait few months more, once Imran Khan in power, they would not need talks.
Today's cartoon on ET: A dove, representing Pak offering talks. On the other side of the border, militants, armed to their teeth, imaging how to gulp the dove.
IA peace will prevail...for the blind supporters of America read this about CIA contacts with haqqani..
http://www.dawn.com/2011/10/03/haqqani-says-us-wants-him-to-join-afghan-govt.html
American as usual playing a double game...no wonder Gen. K was so confident and came to the APC