Interior Minister Rehman Malik — Photo by APP

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rehman Malik said on Monday that the government would not hold talks with Taliban until they surrender.

Talking to media outside the Parliament he said , "We will hold talks with Taliban if they surrender and accept the government's writ."

The minister said that he has asked the Taliban to come down from the mountains and surrender their arms to the law enforcement agencies.

To a question, he said, law and order has improved due to steps taken by the government adding that no untoward incident took place during the 'Asura'.

“The law and order sitution throughout the country has improved due to an effective strategy and measures taken by the government.”

He said the government would take all possible steps to establish its writ. “We have rendered unmatched sacrifices in the war against terrorism. Around 36,000 persons have been killed by the terrorists”.

He said peace has been restored by the law enforcement agencies in Malakand, Sawat and other areas.