Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan (L) and with new TTP member Adnan Rasheed address a press conference in Shabtoi, a village in Pakistan's South Waziristan, on February 2, 2013. PHOTO: AFP
PESHAWAR: Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan said on Sunday his group could only go ahead with negotiations if certain politicians, including Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) Chief Nawaz Sharif, acted as guarantors.
"We do not trust the army, it has always broken past agreements, even agreements we made with politicians," Ehsan said in the seven-and-a-half minute video, in which he appeared flanked by armed masked men.
"We need solid guarantors who can assure us about the army, because the army is the real power in Pakistan."
He said the TTP needed assurances from Nawaz and the leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI).
In December, TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud, who has a $5 million US government bounty on his head, said the group was open to peace talks but poured scorn on the idea of his men giving up their weapons.
The TTP has waged a bloody campaign against the state in recent years and the last two months have seen a notable increase in attacks on military posts and personnel.
The group claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on Saturday that killed at least 24 people at a military check post.
TTP condemn 'ideological war' in Mali
The TTP urged the Muslim world to unite in a video message released Sunday as they condemned the French military intervention in Mali as an "ideological war".
French President Francois Hollande visited Mali on Saturday and vowed his troops would stay as long as necessary to continue the fight against rebels who had taken control of the country's north for 10 months.
An offensive led by French troops has driven rebels from all but one of Mali's major towns, but there are fears the fighters will now wage a guerrilla campaign from the sparsely populated north.
The TTP spokesman condemned the French intervention, which has had logistical support from other Western countries.
"The French government has attacked mujahedeen in Mali and America has also agreed to support France. I ask the whole Muslim world to unite because it is an ideological war," Ehsan said.
He said the forces of "non-believers" were united and urged Muslims to come together.
"If America is supporting France on an ideological basis then in same way all Muslims should unite and support one another."
COMMENTS (67)
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Dear QC,
We’ve already lost thousands of brave soldiers in fighting these terrorists. Terrorist organizations like the TTP have repeatedly warned the Pakistani government for working with the U.S. These terrorists clearly see our nations as a common threat to their criminal mission. They wish to see us remain tangled in the web of conspiracy theories for the sake of gaining advantage. But we must look at the facts and realize that we are only putting ourselves at disadvantage by focusing on conspiracy theories. The seriousness of the situation requires us to refrain from indulging in conspiracies that are only deterring us from working together to achieve our peace objectives.
Ali Khan DET, United States Central Command www.Centcom.mil/Ur
@Faisal: u can also say disappointment for taliban khan as he wasnt considered a serious player after all efforts. just like balochistan
Why the government is showing hesitation,non-serious attitude,insincerity and dishonesty now,when Taliban are showing their goodwill and positive intentions for reconciliation with the government,to resolve the issues with Taliban because when Taliban reject the peace process with the government then the government says that Taliban are insincere and dishonest for peace process...
@Enlightened: Thanks for explaining what I left unsaid. Yes the Army interest is very narrow minded and limited to self preservation.
One thing is dead sure. In spite of numerous Taliban apologists on these blogs, no one can effectively answer my simple basic question regarding broad parameters of negotiations. I for one am willing to give them moon, stars and everything in between in return for disarming and letting us live in peace as we deem fit. Again it wont be acceptable as they are on a divine mission. Getting out of war on terror will also not appease them, as they have publicly stated at highest level that their mission of Sharia enforcement (whatever that means) will continue even after USA withdrawal from Afghanistan. I AGAIN BEG TO BE CONTRADICTED.
@Hasan Mehmood: Your observation about army's policy is spot on. Despite of hundreds of killings of innocent civilians and soldiers the military is clearly avoiding operations against Taliban on one pretext or other. They are indulging in negotiations with some factions to stop attacks on their posts and installations. Militancy cannot be eliminated in Pakistan with army's half-hearted approach and hobnobbing with such barbarians who cannot be trusted due to their past record. Nawaz Sharif has to play his cards well as the people of Pakistan are totally fed up of atrocities by Taliban and any mediation or showing of soft corner for them would cost him dearly in the forth-coming elections.
@Ahmed:
I really pity the state of your intellect -- with "thinkers" like you, the prognosis for the future of our country seems quite dark!
As if people wanted any more truth but here it is--who is the Taliban daddy? Nawaz Sharif of course! I don't see any political rage or theatrical productions on TV talk shows about NS. Whoever slandered Imran with the Taliban Khan slander should know now who is their idol and also that talks, God forbid what Imran has been saying all along, is the only way out.
I am surprised that so many people are surprised at the confidence that TTP has on these rightwing parties and their leaders who they think are "ameen and sadiq". Like a broken record I have been saying that why only the PPP/ANP secular and democratically elected leaders are targeted by these terrorists? Why the rightwing leaders are freely roaming around the country without being attacked? In fact there is a statement of Punjab CM on record that why would Taliban attack his province and govt? I have never been a member of PPP but in the war for survival unfortunately there are no other or better choices for progressives.
Bechara Imran Khan. Missed the boat even here. Even Taliban don't count him for nothing after all his showings of loyalty towards them.
who is Taliban khan now? those who made fun of IK, are now caught in the middle.
Whoever talks of negotiating with Taliban is a hypocrite to Pakistanis. What about all the innocent lives lost to these extremist Mullahs. Anyone can create a terrorist group killing innocents around pakistan under cover and then ask the government to negotiate with them. This is utter non-sense!!
Come in the open and surrender to the law you cowards!!
Now we know why PMLN was silent on TTP
The stupidity of "liberal" pakistan never cease to amaze me. Read the comments to know what am saying. So TTP says they will take these guys as guarantors and you all jumped the wagon bashing them just like your lot did against IK. If these guys are acceptable as guarantor then why TTP targetted JUI-F and JI in past with suicide blasts and killings? Now they are good enough for guarantors? TTP opens its big mouth and ET propagates it. No news organization give so much coverage as much as ET, which just proves Pak state has to shut it down along with the comment section, where morons can call JI and JUI as secretarian parties. I mean get some knowledge for crying out loud
@Sunshine: Tell us that you are so ignorant that you did not know that 100% of Pakistanis have Indian origin.
Te mullah must be wiped out .....it is a cancer in Pakistan.....all those who support them should be sent to live in the caves around kabul
please be unequivocal in the call for end to all militancy. including that which affects "conventional" enemies. this will be very positive for the region.
When TTP is involved in the affairs of PAK, everyone in PAK is united against them and wants US drones. But when US drones fly against the TTP affiliates elsewhere, whom TTP is openly supporting and calling for jihad against the US, PAK citizens cry foul as it is an anti-Muslim agenda.
West and TTP (and their colleagues) understand each other well-except the citizens of Muslim countries. It is an ideological war, and it will continue in chronic low intensity for a long period until the sanctuary Islamic states act against the TTP(AQ) affiliates.
It is not oil, it is not Palestine, it is not Kashmir, it is not world domination by the US.
It is an ideological war and it is a low intensity world war III. Let us all get this straight.
The TTP leaders, in smiles and relaxed, seem to be having a very good time in Waziristan, interacting with the media.
Most folks from Karachi are living in the past. Learn something from others even super powers have to pay their adversaries to shut them...In Afghanistan and Iraq USA had to pay to buy loyalty. It is sad that TTP is doing in Karachi what others have been doing before...Killing Ulema and innocents like Hakeem Saeed etc. and now TTP is killing of MPAs etc. Neither one makes it right. I think Pakistan should seriously consider talking with TTP and should put its own house in order in KPK and Baluchistan. Because we will be have our hands full after 2014 at the eastern border and the Western. We need to integrate these misguided individuals in the political process. If we have not been able to defeat them so far we will not in the future with paying a huge cost in innocent lives and fight them for what? As we have seem with India recently, peace is not possible with appeasement and unilateral concessions. It is about time we accepted that India is our mortal enemy and it can never be a friend of Pakistan as concluded by MA Jinnah. We tried to be friends with them but because of their internal dynamics they prefer to be enemies of Pakistan as is evidenced by frequent violations of LOC. So treat India as it wishes to be treated ...an enemy. I am glad at least generation of Pakistanis can see the real face of the enemy that our elders knew so well. It was not easy for Jinnah a secular man to opt for a separate homeland for Muslims but if he couldn't get along with likes of Mahatma Gandhi who are we? so talks with TTP are imperative.
Proves the point that ' the enemy is within our midst '.
Now we know who is with themWish US drone these fanatics to bring peace in Pak.
Adnan Rashid was on death row for attacks on the army and he was freed from Bannu Jail.
For Heavan's sake can any one I repeat anyone spell out the broad framework of negotiations with these religiously motivated barbarians? The so called peace deals with Army in the past were very limited in scope and were basically cease fire agreements based on cessation of attacks on Army posts in return for de facto recognition of TTP power in their area. Correct me if I am wrong but there was apparently no clause against violent / barbaric spread of Taliban ideology at gun point or any restriction on mistreatment of people including women in their sphere of influence.
Prove me wrong and make my day. Please Please.
these butchers must be killed. . We want secular Pakistan. . No mullah pakistan
Their terms for peace will be worst than their insane war and will not be acceptable to large majority to people of Pakistan.
Is PML the political wing of TTP or is TTP the militant wing of PML. Someone please enlighten me.
But Sharif family is not trust worthy... If you look on there track recorde
Dear TTP Please note reports from Timbuktu in Mali where locals (Muslims) cheered the arrival of french troops (who drove away your "brave mujaheddin" cowards) and want the french to stay! Please note reports how the MUSLIM locals hated your beloved "mujaheddin" (thugs)! Please tell us what makes you think that Muslims the world over want anything to do with your extreme twisted version of a great religion of peace???
@Sunshine:-( bhai Sun and Shine sahib, all living in Karachi, if holding Pakistani identity card are as PAKISTANI as yourself and I must say, I feel honored that their elders came to my birth country. I would have been very less without them, as I am indeed very less without sons of my birth place, around us, i.e. Hindu, Sikhs, Jews, Bhai Sahib, please let your SUN SHINE on and for all, and yes wadiaan wadiaan Juphiaan.
Talk about what? Stop killing innocent civilians? Forget bin laden, I wonder how can they be so well dressed and arrange news conferences etc. our intelligence is failing miserably in tracking and killing these monsters.
O so disappointing! TTP did not ask Imran Khan to act as guarantor. Also proves that JUI-Fazal and JI- Moulwi Munawar Hasan and Maulana Nawaz Sharif are all the closet brothers of these dangerous people..
Nawaz Sharif... I thought Imran Khan was Taliban supporter... IK bashers???????
No comment on news but on picture above. Please notice that how neatly they dress up to issue statement. Can't they just go themselves as suicide bomber instead of sending others children to so called heaven?
How can they smile like this, they have beheaded our soldiers, our policemen killed innocent civilians, our politicians,destroyed our schools, killed health workers who were vaccinated our children against polio, fired at sweet innocent girls like Malala, who have not respected our mosques, shrines, they are scum of this earth so are there supporters like Mulana Diesel, Nawaz etc, DONT negotiate with them, dont give them any importance, strong action first, wipe this smile of there faces than negotiate from a position of strength, this what these animals understand
@Hammad: "They need to be wiped out, along with their sympathizers in political parties.'
Very sensible comment.
IK is an opportunist who supports talibans to come to power. NS and more precisely, SS is also a taliban supporter who support talibans to keep themselves in power.
If talibans are not wiped out completely before the US & NATO forces leave the region, Pakistan shall see serious Shia/Sunni and other sectarian conflicts. Afghanistan and Pakistan will burn in flames. Other countries shall cordon off and keep the violence confined to Pakistan and Afghanistan. They will let the terrorist groups kill themselves and in the process many other Pakistanis and Afghans will also suffer. The loss and sufferings in Pakistan will be unimaginable. US and NATO have their forces and ammunitions now in the region. Any sensible person would make use of these to wipe out all terrorists from the region. Negotiating with the Talibans is good for US and others. This way they can confine the terrorists to this region and secure themselves. But is it good for Pakistan and Afghanistan. NO. Pakistan should also seriously ponder which would be better for them. Trying to control Afghanistan through talibans or brig peace to the entire region by wiping out all terrorists. Unfortunately, Pakistan sees everything through the prism of India and all its calculations are based on if India will gain or loose. It does not care for its own interests. Talibans, even if they share power or gain full control will not be one unit. They will split and start fighting amongst themselves and cause bloodshed throughout the region. Pakistan army cannot wipe out the talibans on their own. They do not have the determination or strength to face the talibans. PPP is helpless and MQM has chickened out. They should openly ask US and NATO to assist them wipe out all terrorists from the region.
@Enlightened: With a province ready to be cut like a cake in half the real position of ML is betrayed to public view , battered by PP, black mailed by TTP , trembling at a Qadri and hanging on to rabble of rustic fanatics.
Irony here is, Last week Musharraf accused Nawaz Sharif for ordering pulling back its troops and Mujahideens from Kashmir even through he could have "won" the war... Today, same mujahideens says Nawaz is trust worthy but not Army..
@Shaami:
Examples you provided of negotiations were done from the position of strength. Same thing happened in Sri Lanka, the leader was destroyed and then re-conciliation happened. TTP and their partners with different names are killing innocent with impunity everyday, and should be punished with justice, not advocating barbarity on them but an effective and relentless repercussions on them of their actions.
In my opinion, the reason behind the Taliban naming Nawaz as guarantor is his links with the extremist religious groups in Punjab. These groups are involved in the sectarian violence and killing of a particular sect. PML-N has a soft corner for them and Rana Sana Ullah is playing a key role in it. Fazal ur Rehman also represent the same mindset. I don't know much about the Munawar Hassan. Apart from these things, talks should be held with the Taliban and these three personalities should play their role to bring peace back in the country. It can also be a Taliban's clever move to divide politicians and army. Military should also realize the situation and be a part these talks. Army must be consulted before the meetings with Taliban.
Disgusting picture of killers published by a reputed newspaper! Drone's please, where are they when you need them?
The TTP have now identified who their supporters are...the enemy of Pakistan is these radical politicians and jihad supporters who pose as religious clerics...the TTP are ruthless murders of soldiers and children and should not be negotiated with...they should be executed..
TTP is only playing Saudi,American and Wahhabism which was imposed against the wishes of 80%population of Pakistan now it is no more acceptable.Nawaz,Fazl,munnawar are all Saudi centric asked as guarantors.
If Shakai Agreement with TTP is any guide, the militants used such arrangements in the past as shelter for regrouping and increasing their number and strength
@imran bhatt:
You are right sir. I fail to see what their agenda really is. They intially was disapointed cause Pak helped US in the war. It was un-muslim to help the US. And infact the mjority of the poeple backed them on this. But then, they started killing MUSLIMS all over the country. The very people they claim to support....That makes no sense.
They are operating just like Mexican drug lords. Abducting and killing everyone in their path. Robbing banks, bribing local police and probably running narcotics as well.
Imagine what would have happened in Media if they called for IK as a guarantor.
Tehreeke Taliban are just good old fashioned goons&thugs. They rob banks and abduct little girls who they "marry". They shoot and bomb people they dont like. And they do all this while hiding among civilians. Thats typical thug behavoir. Not a trace of religious or holy war like behavior in their campaign. If they have huge support in Pakistan, why dont they join the elections and change laws in this country so it could benifit their version of islam?
The fact of the matter is that TTP has been hitting hard against govt. They have killed relentlessly many members of ANP and MQM and that is the only reason why government and the army is thinking of negotiations.
So we know now who is the closest to being trustworthy for these thugs, eh? What an irony they dont trust makers of a politician but trust the politician himself. Lol. And JUI & JI are not even worth a word as they dont represent Pakistan unless no one else is competing elections. Why do we hhave to listen to their rants anyway? We need to get rid of this scum forever and NOW. they just need one reply: you kill our nation, we kill you. Full stop.
It is quite evident from the posts that the IK supporters has heaved a sigh of relief on his name not appeared in this news. I think the softness and love is one sided! IK needs to start demanding punishment to the killer openly and carry it through when comes in power to prove that he did not carry soft corner for these animals
Haha..it is actually quite funny...PMLN will lose the liberal votes now for sure...good for IK
You used the word Wiped out.!!!! Yeah This word is appealing but with far reaching consequences. I live in Punjab and sorry to say but people of Punjab and Karachi are good in uttering sheer non sense when it comes to the eradication of extremism from Pakistan. Do you know MQM was more radicalized when Military Operation was launched in 90s against them and now the outcome is in front of you. Similarly just imagine the military operations in KPK where some regions are bombed so what are we expecting from such regions??. Military Option is the last resort and within the boundary of any Country in my view it should not even exist. Talibans mostly are local people and some of them joined these groups out of social outrage and Religion gave them the last resort and power at the same time and those people who are in favor of dialogue with these people i am in totally favor of them. If Columbia can talk with their FARC rebels, If UK can talk with Irish Republic Army then there is nothing wrong if someone will compel these fighters to join the political platform and end their struggle though weapons.
Three member delegation of Mian Nawaz Sharif, Maulana Fazl-ul-Rehman and Syed Munawar Hasan should talk to TTP and convince them that their strategy is incorrect. Drones attacks by the US do not justify TTP attacks on Pakistan army and civilians. How can all Muslims unite if we can not do so.
@Sunshine: Does that mean CIA/RAW/MOSSAD/SANTA CLAUSE is demanding thru TTP that NS should form the next government?
"He said the TTP needed assurances from Nawaz and the leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI)." It sounds quite interesting and all peace loving people should take note of. Name of Mr. Nawas is being taken along with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI). Does it mean that once Mr Nawas comes in power the sectarian forces will get all his support and with their help scores will be settled with Army. Liberal supporters have little future in this case.
Those who doubted that PML-N is the political wing of TTP.
Why Taliban Khan is not included in the list of top guarantors? Is he going to represent Taliban or still a worthless political leader?
TTP has changed its loyalty from PTI to PMLN which is good for IK. NS is now caught between devil and sea which is a big test for him in his political career as TTP has never honored all previous agreements.
Negotiations should only be done from position of strength. All of them needs to be punished and wiped out. Justice should be provided to these barbaric killers. They need to become human first before claiming to be mujaheddin
Well TTP mentioned three leaders but you mentioned one in the headline only. I thought ET is only generous enough to twist wordings of Imran Khan but now i have seen that is a different story altogether and Except Altaf Bhai every Politician is susceptible to the sensationalism on ET.
Must be very sad moment for all those who never get tired of labeling Imran Khan as Taliban Khan.
well 80% karachiites have an Indian origin. I'm not surprised at all.
These terrorist thugs want to be in media lime-light and media provide them all the opportunities to achieve it. They should be banned from using media to convey their messages because it gives them legitimacy.
Perhaps we need to invite the french to take car of this menace.
They need to be wiped out, along with their sympathizers in political parties.
Will the anti-IK bandwagon now also start mocking/abusing Nawaz Sharif, now that Taliban want him as guarantor?? I guess not.