TTP will be urged to extend ceasefire: Prof Ibrahim
More than 6,800 people have been killed in bomb and gun attacks around Pakistan since 2007.
PESHAWAR (Web Desk) – Taliban negotiator Professor Ibhrahim on Thursday said that dialogue committee would appeal the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to extend ceasefire, Dunya News reported.
He said date for meeting between government and Taliban committees is still undecided, however, both sides intend to continue the dialogue process.
Professor Ibrahim said that government’s team would be apprised about Taliban reservations.
Earlier on Wednesday, Tehreek-e-Taliban said they would not extend a ceasefire called to help peace negotiations with the government, but insisted they were still committed to the talks process.
The TTP announced a one-month ceasefire at the start of March as the government sought a negotiated end to their bloody seven-year insurgency.
The TTP extended the ceasefire to April 10, but complained there had been "complete silence" from the government since then and hinted that the military was trying to thwart talks.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's government began negotiations with the TTP through intermediaries in February to try to end the insurgency.
Since the TTP's fight began in 2007, more than 6,800 people have been killed in bomb and gun attacks around Pakistan, according to an AFP tally, destabilising the country.
The militant group has demanded the release of what they call "non-combatant" prisoners and the establishment of a "peace zone" where security forces would not be present.
The government freed 19 tribesmen based in South Waziristan district last week and on Sunday Khan said 13 more of what he called "non-combatant Taliban" prisoners would be released to help the peace process.
The government has also taken up the issue of the release of a senior academic -- Professor Mohammad Ajmal -- as well the sons of slain former Punjab governor Salman Taseer and former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani in return for its concessions to the TTP's demands.
