ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Friday in a statement said the talks with the TTP were taking place at the government level.
“Talks with the TTP began in 2021 and these negotiations have been taking place at the government level,” the minister said in a statement confirming the peace talks with the banned group.
The minister also confirmed that the Afghan Taliban government was acting as a mediator between the two sides. She said civil and military representatives were part of the Pakistani side holding talks with the TTP.
She said the government welcomed the ceasefire announced by the TTP.
The truce was to expire on May 30 but the TTP extended it now for an indefinite period as both sides were trying to reach a peace deal.
In return for the ceasefire, Pakistan reportedly released certain TTP prisoners and even pardoned some who were convicted in terror cases. There was, however, no official confirmation.
The TTP has put forward several demands including reversal of Fata merger, monetary compensation and allowing them to keep their arms. The Pakistani side, however, wants them to lay down their arms and is also reluctant to restore the status of FATA. There were questions asked about whether the Pakistani team holding talks with the TTP had the mandate to discuss matters that involve constitutional amendments.
The information minister clarified that the negotiation committee had the mandate. “Whatever decision the team will arrive at would be approved by the government and parliament.”
The peace process resumed last month after Pakistan sent a clear message to the Afghan Taliban government that it would no more tolerate cross-border terrorist attacks. Over 120 Pakistani security forces were martyred this year in terrorist attacks mostly carried out by the TTP from across the border.
