Imran distances himself from Taliban

E-Paper | August 02, 2026

Imran distances himself from Taliban

Dawn Report Published February 2, 2014

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ISLAMABAD: Commenting on reports that the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has nominated him for negotiations, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has said the militant group should select its own representatives for the peace talks.

He said in a statement issued on Saturday that the PTI had full faith in the four-member committee formed by the government for the talks.

“However, we will discuss in our core committee meeting on Monday how the PTI can be of assistance to further the dialogue,” he added.

PTI information secretary Dr Shireen Mazari said the party hadn’t been contacted by the Taliban to ask its chairman to become a member of its committee for peace talks with the government.

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shah

Feb 02, 2014 09:01am

PTI is the greatest proponent of dialogue with suicide bombers. They should not be running away from dialogue now.

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Nadeem Chaudhry

Feb 02, 2014 09:01am

This is truly a story of "Kiss and Tell"! IK had been necking with TTP for so long that it's leaders finally decided to "tell". If IK does not represent TTP in its talks with the government, this could have disastrous outcomes for IK. Such escapades usually end in disaster!

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Ayaz

Feb 02, 2014 09:18am

In Pakistani politics intelligence agencies play a predominant role yet we have not seen any discussion about their role in influencing who is and who is not in these peace committees.

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Last Word

Feb 02, 2014 09:52am

why the biggest apologist of the TTP is distancing himself to become its representative ? In fact TTP who has shown full faith on the PTI chief should not fail them as it will give a big jolt to the peace process and also as a leader who always advocated peace talks but backed out at crucial juncture. On the contrary, Imran has an excellent opportunity to understand Taliban better and guide them on logical thinking so as to reach to an agreement which is acceptable to both sides.

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shary khan

Feb 02, 2014 09:56am

he said good

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Ghalib

Feb 02, 2014 10:10am

Now , Now, IK no need to feel embarrassed we all now where and with whom you stand so, chill man, and represent your side in the talks,

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Kazmis

Feb 02, 2014 10:11am

The nomination of Imran Khan as their representative, Imran Khan is stunned. This simple moved had destryoed the whole image and career of Imran Khan for ever. He himself indulged in such politics while playing in the hands of others...

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Khalid Chaudhry

Feb 02, 2014 11:39am

Well done PTI, it to took me by a surprise when TTP put forward Imran Khan's name. The committee put forward by govt. and now these shenanigans by TTP, one can already predict the doomed outcome of this farce.

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Parvez

Feb 02, 2014 01:45pm

Too little, too late.

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Ali Hassan Bhatti

Feb 02, 2014 04:07pm

Khan sahab don't show your back to peace talks

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khanm

Feb 02, 2014 04:30pm

Very well played Imran

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Feb 02, 2014 06:05pm

And from this article how is it proven that Imran has distanced himself?

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vigilant

Feb 02, 2014 06:49pm

Nice card played by TTP to divide nation

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F A QAZI

Feb 02, 2014 07:38pm

PTI chief will still do good in sports field. Thanks

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M. Siddique

Feb 02, 2014 07:38pm

I wonder who else TTP is nominated by TTP as their negotiators. I am glad Imran did not accept to represent TTP. Already people think he has soft corner for TTP. There should be one point agenda in this negotiation. TTP accept the constitution of Pakistan or else

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fida sayani

Feb 02, 2014 08:55pm

Imran Khan position is correct that Taliban should have their own negotiating team. As he said correctly that PTI can help on the sidelines.

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Zafar H. Rizvi

Feb 02, 2014 09:19pm

"Imran Khan has said the militant group should select its own representatives for the peace talks" Isn't it what TTP has done? I am confused...

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NASAH (USA)

Feb 02, 2014 10:09pm

Why not accept the 'honor' from the Taliban instead of distancing oneself?

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Faraz

Feb 02, 2014 10:17pm

"Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has said the militant group should select its own representatives for the peace talks.....". Helloooooo Mr. Khan, that's exactly what theTaliban have done.

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Mother

Feb 02, 2014 10:56pm

So now its confirmed...Imran is a formal member of the TTP! While this is not news, what it does demonstrate, clearly, is that the TTP have infiltrated mainstream Pakistani society. They have participated in elections and are already a part of the government. And its all our fault..we were stupid enough to believe in a 'Naya Pakistan'. I am never going to vote again.

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Babbarsher Khan

Feb 02, 2014 10:58pm

"Jo darr gaya, samjho......." Kaptaan show some guts and take it up if you really have any idea take the negotiation to its logical conclusion (peace). You have been very vocal about the need of the dialogue with the murderous gang for long time, so why are you shying away now?

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A Yousuf

Feb 03, 2014 12:08am

When will Imran Khan grow a beard and start looking like them. He already agrees with them on all issues.

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khan

Feb 03, 2014 05:16am

@Ghalib: Think laterally. how about Bilawal coordinating with TTP to bring Khan's name down? IK is the only honest politician the country has.

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Tiger

Feb 03, 2014 06:56am

Mr. Imran Khan, please don't fall into this trap, just support the peace process & do what ever you can. Your enemies are trying to drag you into never ending war, Nawaz Sherriff should have asked members of parliaments

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An observer

Feb 03, 2014 10:40am

Isn't it enough that Taliban nominated IK as a part of their 5 member committee. If TTP had contacted PTI's info secretary, it might have gone to Mr Khan's head.

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ali

Feb 03, 2014 12:04pm

You can call this...."aasman se gira, khujoor main atka"

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NASAH (USA)

Feb 03, 2014 05:20pm

The sharpest pen in Pakistani journalism, Cyril Almeida called him 'Taliban Khan' for nothing!

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NASAH (USA)

Feb 03, 2014 05:26pm

@A Yousuf: And the Taliban 'agree' with him as their own representative!

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Chumbaylee

Feb 04, 2014 06:21am

He could have turned the table by accepting to mediate for them on the condition that no terroist attacks take place. If any terror attacks no matter how minor is carried out by the taliban he would pull out.

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Danish

Feb 04, 2014 09:48am

Captain used to surprise batsman by his deadly bouncers, it is clearly that he lost control on the first bouncer from TTP................ Mr. Khan be ready for more!

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Last Word

Feb 04, 2014 11:03am

Taliban as such do not spare those who oppose their ideology but in Imran Khan's case it is a breach of trust which may not be taken lightly by them. May God protect Imran.

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Faryal

Feb 04, 2014 12:43pm

A big LOL over the situation where Khan saab has been trapped by his beloved Talibans.

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John

Feb 04, 2014 01:24pm

IK had a moral awakening in few months of support for Taliban. He probably now knows the depth of evil.

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wali

Feb 04, 2014 07:09pm

Why now?

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