Samiul Haq distances himself from peace dialogue

Haq also stated that he informed the PM about the response of the TTP, but didn’t garner any response.

NOWSHERA: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Samiul Haq group (JUI-S) chief Maulana Samiul Haq on Wednesday distanced himself from negotiations between the government and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) after the recent bombardment in North Waziristan, Khyber Agency and other tribal areas of the country.

In a press release issued on January 1 from Darul Uloom Haqqania, Akora Khattak, Haq had stated that he had taken steps to carry forward the agenda of negotiations between the government and the TTP.

Haq also stated that he informed the prime minister about the response of the TTP, but didn’t garner any response.

The JUI-S chief said, “I sent a detailed letter to the prime minister to draw his attention back to the issue through an email and courier, and avoided to show the letter to media due the sensitivity of the issue.”

“I requested both the parties to ceasefire and keep themselves away from use of power and military operation,” he added.

However, in a later statement, he stated that the military had started shelling in the tribal areas.

Haq, who is also chairman of the Difa-e-Pakistan Council said that he put his life at risk for the ‘sake of the country’ but did not find any seriousness for negotiations, therefore, in these times of tension he wanted to keep himself detached altogether.

He stated that he respected the media, but refrained from answering any further questions over the matter.