TTP declares ceasefire for 20 days
The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) declared a three-week truce on Friday, lasting until October 2I, only hours after Prime Minister Imran Khan disclosed in an interview with a Turkish media house that the government was in negotiations with some units of the organisation.
According to several sources, the Shura Mujahideen of North Waziristan, led by leader Hafiz Gul Bahadur, declared the truce after two weeks of discussions with government facilitators.
The militant group said that the suspension of hostilities proved its “seriousness” in pursuing peace in the tribal area.
Previously, Prime Minister Imran told TRT World that the talks were taking place in Afghanistan, saying that discussion was the only way forward and that the government would “forgive” the members if an agreement was achieved.
Prime Minister stated that his administration would be prepared to forgive insurgents if they lay down their guns, but he was unsure how those talks will proceed.
Also Read: TTP commander killed during IBO in North Waziristan
In reaction to Imran Khan’s remarks, the Pakistan Peoples Party has asked for a parliamentary session on the subject, claiming that the prime minister’s remarks were “extremely sensitive.”
Sherry Rehman of the PPP was skeptical about the concept of offering amnesty to the TTP. “Again the PM wants to give amnesty to the TTP. Has he asked parliament what we think about that ? And has he heard the TTP response ?” she inquired.
According to many political leaders of Pakistan, giving this sort of interview without taking the nation in confidence is not a good step taken by the prime minister. APS attack is still difficult to digest for the Pakistani people and forgiving TTP will be salt being rubbed in wounds.
