TTP decides not to extend ceasefire

Published April 16, 2014
TTP spokesperson Shahidullah Shahid.   — File photo
TTP spokesperson Shahidullah Shahid. — File photo

PESHAWAR: The outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) announced on Wednesday its decision to not extending the ceasefire and said that the government had failed to respond positively to the militant organisation's ceasefire of more than 40 days.

TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid, in his detailed statement, said that the government has failed to respond positively to Taliban's 'realistic' demands of establishing a peace zone, release of non-combatants and suspension of security forces operation in tribal areas.

“These were concrete steps for building confidence and defusing the tension,” he added.

Shahidullah blamed the government for rooting out an operation killing more than 50 of their activists and arresting over 200, saying hundreds of raids have also been conducted across the country which negated the ceasefire.

He said that the deadline for ceasefire had expired six days ago (April 10) but still there was a “mysterious silence” among the government ranks over peace talks.

The central spokesman of the Pakistani Taliban added that in the light of these developments, the TTP Shura has unanimously decided not to extend the ceasefire any more. He, however, added that the militant outfit would be willing to respond to any positive response from the government so that the peace process continues.

Moreover, the TTP Mohmand Agency chief, Umer Khalid Khurasani, also issued a statement in which he had said that government was not serious about peace and the only way to implement true Shariah was jihad.

Earlier on March 1, the TTP had announced a month-long ceasefire breaking a deadlock that was reached between mediating teams of the government and Taliban committee.

Within 24 hours of the ceasefire announcement, the government had also made public its decision to halt air strikes on militant hideouts.

Opinion

Editorial

Tough talks
Updated 16 Apr, 2024

Tough talks

The key to unlocking fresh IMF funds lies in convincing the lender that Pakistan is now ready to undertake real reforms.
Caught unawares
Updated 16 Apr, 2024

Caught unawares

The government must prioritise the upgrading of infrastructure to withstand extreme weather.
Going off track
16 Apr, 2024

Going off track

LIKE many other state-owned enterprises in the country, Pakistan Railways is unable to deliver, while haemorrhaging...
Iran’s counterstrike
Updated 15 Apr, 2024

Iran’s counterstrike

Israel, by attacking Iran’s diplomatic facilities and violating Syrian airspace, is largely responsible for this dangerous situation.
Opposition alliance
15 Apr, 2024

Opposition alliance

AFTER the customary Ramazan interlude, political activity has resumed as usual. A ‘grand’ opposition alliance ...
On the margins
15 Apr, 2024

On the margins

IT appears that we are bent upon taking the majoritarian path. Thus, the promise of respect and equality for the...