Government decides to continue holding peace talks despite end of ceasefire

This was decided during the National Security Committee meeting that took place at the PM House earlier on Thursday.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE

ISLAMABAD:
The government on Thursday decided that they will continue to hold peace talks with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) despite rising tensions between the two sides, Express News reported.

This was decided during the National Security Committee meeting that took place at the PM House earlier on Thursday. 


The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and attended by both government and army officials.

From the government's side Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid attended the meeting.

Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Asif Sandeela, Chief of Air Force Tahir Rafiq, director general (DG) of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), DG Intelligence Bureau (IB), and Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee General Rashid Mahmood also attended the meeting.


Karachi operation, Afghan elections, peace negotiations with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the security situation in the country were discussed at the meeting.

According to Radio Pakistan, Prime Minister Nawaz briefed the participants about his recent visit to China and the latest development on the proposed Pakistan-China trade corridor. Expressing confidence that the trade corridor will help generate economic activities, Nawaz also told the officials that development projects worth $35 billion in energy and communication sectors will be completed on priority basis with Chinese assistance.

It was reportedly decided in the meeting that Pakistan will not interfere in Afghanistan and will support whoever is elected in the presidential elections in Afghanistan.

During the meeting DG ISI and DG IB briefed the committee about the security situation in the country and Aziz gave a briefing about Pakistan's policy with regards to Afghanistan.

Nisar briefed the committee about the dialogue process with the TTP, while Dar informed the officials regarding the Eurobond and said that it was a historic return to the international bond market.

According to sources, the premier has advised to enhance the internal security of the country.

 
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