The deputy commander of the Pakistan Taliban, who have been waging a four-year war against the government in Islamabad, said Saturday that the two sides were holding talks, a move that could further fray the US-Pakistan relationship.
But both Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and Interior Minister Rehman Malik denied the reports.
"Categorically, I'm telling on behalf of the government, no dialogue," Malik told reporters in Islamabad.
Gilani left the door open to negotiations. "Whosoever surrenders and denounces violence, they are acceptable to us," Gilani said in an interview with the BBC.
At the end of September, Pakistan's government pledged to "give peace a chance" and talk with its homegrown militants.
Maulvi Faqir Mohammad, the deputy commander of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, told Reuters Saturday that talks for an end to the insurgency were under way.
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Taliban has denied talks with Govt as well. Who spread this news? Looks like some Taliban factions are interested in peace talks but not all. According to them no talks until and unless Islamic shariah is enforced in the country. "Kar lo gal". :)
Yeah, Mr.Malik, well done !! Pakistani government to allow NATO supplies if the US and NATO surrender !!!
thats like saying we can negotiate a better price if you sell those apples (read: bananas) for free
@Dr. Who!: I l loved your simili between Hari Potter & Mr. Rehman. I also appreciate and salute you sense of humour! Jai Ho, Doctorsahib! KBK
Taliban should be made to surrender. No militant group should be allowed to operate on our soil. The state should have full control
You mean " Taliban to ACCEPT talks if the government SURRENDERS! Can't wait to see what a rerun of the (Infamous) Swat agreement with the Taliban does to the country!
It is wrong to demand a surrender prior to talks. Let the man have his fig leaf.
just go and kill them...it's been too long that they've killed us, keep them here for another 10, 15 years and you'll NEVER be able to get rid of them...the state should take responsibility and act now...it's the future of your children that you are risking
Very old and stale statement of Rehman Malik Sahab Jee. His "days" are numbered.
They will soon fall like "Autum Leaves".
Inshallah Pakistan will survive. No power of Earth will be able to cast evil eye on Pakistan.
Mussarat Hussain
Rehman Malik, Veena Malik any link? Untimely and inopportune disrobing seems to be common thread, just wondering!
ET should thank Mr. Malik for provoding the headline of the century. World of sorcery has it's Harry Potter, Pakistan has it's very own Mr. Malik.
First he thanked them for not acting terrorist recently, then he hinted at negotiations (if not outright proudly announce them) and now he is backtracking. And he keeps saying that any violation of Pakistani territory would not be tolerated. Maybe, he was referring to the Eastern borders with India rather than the ongoing ingression of territory along the Af-Pak border.
as long as this man is in position there will b no peace, he is determined to keep engage PA in never ending war.
Just praying to Allah for Blessings on PA.