Maulana Samiul Haq (seated R), one of the Taliban intermediary, and Irfan Siddiqui, a government negotiator, discuss on a joint statement before a news conference in Islamabad February 6, 2014. PHOTO: REUTERS
The statement came soon after their meeting concluded at Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad.
In light of yesterday’s attack on police personnel in Karachi that left 13 dead, the government committee expressed their concern about the viability of peace talks to their counterparts, demanding that the Taliban be asked to make a clear statement to immediately stop all activities that undermine peace.
The Taliban committee was in agreement and added that the government should agree not to use force either.
The Taliban committee comprised of Maulana Samiul Haq, Professor Ibraheem and committee coordinator Maulana Yousuf Shah, while the government committee comprised Irfan Siddiqui, Major (retd) Muhammad Amir, Rahimullah Yousufzai, Rustam Shah Mohmand.
“At the moment there is no ceasefire, but we are optimistic that some progress will be made in the coming days,” Maulana Yousuf Shah said speaking with Express News.
“The first issue is the establishment of peace in the country. The negotiations should not be through the media,” Mauala Samiul Haq said, speaking with the media after the meeting.
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