ISLAMABAD – Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry revealed on Monday that the government and banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have reached an agreement on a complete ceasefire as per understanding.
In a video message, the information minister said that the talks with the banned outfit are being held in accordance with the constitution and the law.
He added that the government could not engage in talks beyond the limits of the Constitution and law. Chaudhry said sovereignty of the state, security, peace in the affected areas, social and economic stability will be kept in view during the talks.
He said that people, who were badly affected in these areas, will never be ignored, adding that they will also be taken into confidence in the ongoing talks.
The information minister said the ceasefire will be extended in light of the progress in talks. Terming it a welcoming sign, he said that the affected areas of the country would observe the complete peace after a long time.
He said Afghan interim government has played a facilitative role in the talks with TTP.
The development comes a month after Prime Minister Imran Khan revealed that talks are being held with some factions of the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), adding that he intended to involve the other offshoots of the outlawed organisation.
In an interview with Turkish media, the premier said, “Pakistan demands TTP to lay down arms,” adding that the government will pardon the militants if they surrender.
He had said that the militant would be allowed to live as normal citizens after they end their anti-state activities.
“I do not believe in military solution to the conflict as I always advocated for non-military solution to Afghan issue,” he highlighted.
Read more: https://pakobserver.net/govt-will-talk-to-ttp-groups-willing-to-follow-constitution/
