TTP accuses govt of stepping up attacks in tribal areas

Published March 23, 2014
Pakistani Taliban spokesman Shahidullah Shahid (c) along with other members of the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). — File photo
Pakistani Taliban spokesman Shahidullah Shahid (c) along with other members of the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). — File photo

MIRAMSHAH: The outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has accused the government of increasing attacks on militant hideouts and raids on houses of its members in tribal areas.

Despite a ceasefire announced by it earlier this month, its members in the custody of law enforcement agencies are not only being tortured but tortured with greater intensity, the TTP has said.

TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid told media personnel by phone on Saturday that instead of reciprocating his group’s goodwill gesture with a befitting move the authorities had intensified activities against the militants.

He said the government did not seem to be sincere towards dialogue with the TTP.

After the announcement of a ceasefire by the Taliban shura, the government should have refrained from shelling or raiding the militants’ hideouts. But, he added, shelling of the militants’ hideouts as well as their houses had registered a sharp increase over the past few days.

Incidents involving torture of TTP members in all jails of the country, particularly in Karachi, were also increasing, he said. Some of the TTP members had been moved to prisons in Sukkur and Hyderabad after being tortured.

It seemed that the government wanted the militants to resume carrying out attacks across the country, the TTP spokesman added.

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan puzzle
Updated 28 May, 2024

Afghan puzzle

Unless these elements are neutralised, it will not be possible to have the upper hand over terrorist groups.
Attacking minorities
28 May, 2024

Attacking minorities

WHILE Pakistan has watched many perish in the cauldron of sacrilege, the state has done little to turn down the...
Persistent scourge
28 May, 2024

Persistent scourge

THE challenge of polio in Pakistan has reached a new nadir, drawing grave concerns from the Technical Advisory Group...
Mercury rising
Updated 27 May, 2024

Mercury rising

Each of the country's leaders is equally responsible for the deep pit Pakistan seems to have fallen into.
Antibiotic overuse
27 May, 2024

Antibiotic overuse

ANTIMICROBIAL resistance is an escalating crisis claiming some 700,000 lives annually in Pakistan. It is the third...
World Cup team
27 May, 2024

World Cup team

PAKISTAN waited until the very end to name their T20 World Cup squad. Even then, there was last-minute drama. Four...