TTP deny secret peace talks with government
"I categorically deny holding of peace talks on any level between Taliban and Pakistani government," Shahid said.
Shahidullah Shahid, main spokesperson for the TTP told AFP that no contacts had been made between the group and any government official. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
MIRANSHAH:
A spokesperson for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Saturday denied reports that the government was holding peace talks with the insurgent group.
Media reports on Saturday ran headlines reporting the start of peace talks with the Taliban while some said there had been initial contacts with the militants
Shahidullah Shahid, main spokesperson for the TTP told AFP that no contacts had been made between the group and any government official.
"I categorically deny the holding of peace talks on any level between the Taliban and Pakistani government," Shahid told AFP from an undisclosed location.
"No contacts have even been made between us, nor have we received any offer to initiate peace talks" Shahid added.
BBC Urdu, quoting an unnamed senior government official and a Taliban commander, also reported the beginning of peace talks.
"It is complete propaganda, the government must make it public if it has any proof of any such talks," Shahid said.
The reports of peace talks emerged almost two weeks after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made an offer to the extremists in his first televised address to the nation since taking office after winning elections in May.
Previous peace deals have rapidly unravelled, and were criticised by the United States and at home for allowing militants space to regroup before launching new waves of attacks.
The Taliban last Saturday removed a key commander for welcoming Sharif's call for dialogue.
Ismatullah Muaweea, the head of the TTP in Punjab province, had said the prime minister had shown maturity.
A spokesperson for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Saturday denied reports that the government was holding peace talks with the insurgent group.
Media reports on Saturday ran headlines reporting the start of peace talks with the Taliban while some said there had been initial contacts with the militants
Shahidullah Shahid, main spokesperson for the TTP told AFP that no contacts had been made between the group and any government official.
"I categorically deny the holding of peace talks on any level between the Taliban and Pakistani government," Shahid told AFP from an undisclosed location.
"No contacts have even been made between us, nor have we received any offer to initiate peace talks" Shahid added.
BBC Urdu, quoting an unnamed senior government official and a Taliban commander, also reported the beginning of peace talks.
"It is complete propaganda, the government must make it public if it has any proof of any such talks," Shahid said.
The reports of peace talks emerged almost two weeks after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made an offer to the extremists in his first televised address to the nation since taking office after winning elections in May.
Previous peace deals have rapidly unravelled, and were criticised by the United States and at home for allowing militants space to regroup before launching new waves of attacks.
The Taliban last Saturday removed a key commander for welcoming Sharif's call for dialogue.
Ismatullah Muaweea, the head of the TTP in Punjab province, had said the prime minister had shown maturity.