ISLAMABAD: A day after Pakistan and Taliban negotiators agreed on the venue of a proposed meeting, a senior government official said they would push Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan to indefinitely extend its ceasefire.
“We would like the ceasefire to be extended for an indefinite period, this will be our first job when we meet TTP Political Shura,” he said.
The TTP had announced a one-month “unconditional ceasefire” on March 1 to restore peace efforts after they hit a roadblock due to the slaying of 23 paramilitary troops by the group’s Mohmand chapter. The government also called off surgical air strikes in the tribal areas.
“Meaningful negotiations cannot take place if the ceasefire is not extended, ideally for an indefinite period,” said Rustam Shah Mohmand, a member of the government’s negotiating team.
“We are expecting to hold the first direct meeting with the TTP Shura in the next three days.” The maiden meeting between the government committee and Taliban Shura could not take place so far due to disagreement on the venue. On Saturday, however, the two sides evolved consensus on the possible location which was not shared with the media.
Both sides are now making efforts to pursue the crucial second phase of talks quietly - avoiding unnecessary media attention. Major Aamir, who was part of the previous government committee, confirmed that his panel could have continued had its activities been kept away from the media glare.
Taliban intermediary Professor Mohammad Ibrahim said yesterday that there was a “strong possibility” that an ISI official would join the peace process. He admitted that there was still a trust deficit between the two committees which, he hoped, would be bridged after the face-to-face meeting.
INTERNEWS
