Photo shows spokesman for banned militant outfit, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Ehsanullah Ehsan.—File Photo

PESHAWAR: Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan told Dawn.com's correspondent on Wednesday that the proscribed outfit was ready for 'meaningful' dialogue with the Government of Pakistan.

Ehsan said the TTP had always been ready for negotiations, adding that, the Pakistani government was following foreign dictates and talks would only be possible if the government would have the authority to hold them freely.

Responding to a query on a statement by chief of the Awami National Party (ANP), Asfanyar Wali Khan, that talks with the Pakistani Taliban were possible if they renounced violence, the TTP spokesman said "terms and conditions" were unacceptable for any peace talks to be initiated.

In a letter addressed to the Government of Pakistan, the Pakistani Taliban offering to hold talks said that the ANP could be granted amnesty if the party apologised for its 'wrong' policies  and altered these, adding that, the same would apply to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

The letter further said that the TTP had no fight with the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) whereas the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI) and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) should live up to their statements.

The TTP also claimed that the organisation was not involved in attacks on JUI and JI.

The fight with the militant organisation was initiated by the government and the armed forces of Pakistan, the letter said, adding that, the war could end provided that the government formulated its policies and its constitution in accordance with the Islamic Shariah.

Earlier on Sunday, the ANP chief had said that the use of military means was no more an effective way of resolving political issues.

He had also stated that his party had always supported dialogue with ‘saner elements’ among the Taliban for the sake of regional stability.

Khan had said the ANP believed that talks were the only way to end terrorism and resolve militancy-related issues because sections of elements among the extremists were challenging Pakistan’s sovereignty and writ of the state.

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