LAHORE: Chief of the negotiating committee nominated by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Maulana Samiul Haq on Wednesday said matters relating to a meeting between representatives of the government and the Pakistani Taliban would likely finalise by this evening, DawnNews reported.

Sami said success could only be achieved if dialogue with the outlawed group was seriously pursued.

He said incidents of terrorism had come to an end after the TTP announced a ceasefire.

Sami added that talks were underway on a venue to continue the dialogue between the government and the TTP, adding that the Taliban were also experiencing some difficulties.

He said the Taliban did not want to hold talks in government-run venues, adding that all matters relating to the next meeting would likely be finalised by the evening.

Sami said he hadn't had a meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today, adding that the premier was hopeful that the dialogue would result in a positive outcome.

The ongoing peace talks between the government and the TTP struck an impasse last month after Taliban-linked militants murdered 23 kidnapped Pakistani paramilitary soldiers.

The killings resulted in multiple targeted airstrikes by the military against suspected hideouts in the tribal northwest bordering with Afghanistan.

The Taliban then announced a one-month ceasefire which was reciprocated by the government which halted its airstrikes on militant targets.

The dialogue process has entered its decisive stage now with the government having formed a new committee to mediate with the Taliban leadership.