THE state, it seems, is quite convinced that its shuttle diplomacy with the banned TTP will yield peace dividends, though there are no solid indications that can justify this optimism — at least not in the public domain. After a delegation of ulema returned home last week following parleys with the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban, another delegation, this time consisting of tribal elders and parliamentarians, arrived in Kabul on Saturday in order to talk to the TTP. This is the second tribal delegation that has visited Afghanistan for peace talks, as a tribal jirga had made a similar effort in June. These frequent visits either convey that negotiations with the TTP are on track, or that the state is desperate to do everything it can to make ‘peace’ with the group — there are, after all, no commitments from the terrorist organisation other than vague promises to keep talking. All the evidence points to the latter probability.

It would appear that as the state talks peace with the militants, the latter retain their goal of once again entrenching themselves in their former stomping grounds. The fact that it took major sacrifices on the part of brave soldiers and civilians for the tribal belt and other areas in KP to be rid of the terrorists should not be forgotten. Neither should we disregard a series of broken ‘peace’ pacts with the militants, who have never been sincere in keeping up their end of the deal. Now, while the militants are willing to receive the various delegations seeking peace with them, they have indicated that they will not budge from their unconstitutional demand of having the KP-Fata merger reversed. According to media reports, senior Pakistani ulema that were part of the delegation that met the TTP were evasive when the matter of Fata’s merger was raised, saying that they were men of faith and that ‘political’ issues were beyond their mandate.

The red lines set by the state — respecting the Constitution and laying down arms — cannot be violated while negotiating with the TTP. The establishment, that has led the effort from the beginning, must realise that ceding space to militants will never deliver the positive results they hope for. Also, sending delegation after delegation may convey the message that Pakistan is desperate for a peace treaty with the terrorists. If the TTP abides by the state’s rules of engagement, then talks may have a chance of succeeding. But the militants cannot be allowed to set the agenda, with the state meekly agreeing to all their unreasonable demands. Also, as parliament is supposed to have oversight over the process, let lawmakers be briefed about the status of talks — in camera if necessary — so that elected representatives can decide if negotiations are to continue, or the state should use other measures to bring the militants to heel.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2022