Peace talks with TTP will probably fail: Imran Khan to Bloomberg News

PTI chairperson fears there will be a few big terrorist attacks and the negotiations will be called off.


Web Desk February 07, 2014
File photo of Imran Khan addressing party workers and supporters at a ceremony in Lahore, 2013. PHOTO: AFP/FILE.

The peace negotiations between the government and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) will probably fail and a resulting military operation would lead to more violence, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairperson Imran Khan told Bloomberg.

In an interview with the New York-based news website, Imran was quoted as saying: “The most likely result is that the negotiations will start, there will be about three or four big explosions and terrorist attacks and the negotiations will be called off.”

“There will be people baying for blood and the operation will start,” he claimed.

Speaking about the US drone campaign, the PTI chief said the talks will only be meaningful if America announces an end to drone strikes.

“If the US stops drone attacks, announces stopping the drone attacks during the talks, it would be a big plus point,” he stressed.

Imran further accused the US of sabotaging an earlier effort at talks with a November 1 drone attack that killed TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud.

“The US doesn’t want peace talks here or peace in Pakistan while they are leaving Afghanistan,” the report quoted Imran. “The thinking is that if they [insurgents] are engaged here, they would not be going across to fight.”

Imran criticised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for waiting too long after the May election to start talks with the TTP. He said the state negotiation team also reflected Nawaz’s lack of seriousness.

“If I was him, I would lead it myself; it’s too important an issue for Pakistan,” he said.

Commenting on why the TTP named him as a negotiator from their side, Imran boasted that they trust him to withstand US pressures.

Stressing that he disagrees with TTP’s interpretation of Sharia law, Imran said “clearly, I don’t represent Taliban.”

COMMENTS (19)

Alamgir Khan | 10 years ago | Reply

"Imran boasted that they trust him to withstand US pressures." What fake journalism and what choice of words. The reporter is either biased or does not know the ABC of reporting. You use the word boasting for what others say when you take sides against them and we are given to believe a news reporter does not do that.

Vikas, Mumbai | 10 years ago | Reply

Wise man Mr Kamran Shafi's advice in today's opinion piece -

"I recommend Radio silence because the media should stop discussing what will or will not happen, as comment on it may well scuttle the talks.

"While all of us have our own views on the subject, we ought to wait for the results that should not be long in coming for reasons we all know but shall skirt for the time being in keeping with Radio silence."

This should apply to all.

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