ttp-Tehrik-i-Taliban-Pakistan-Ehsnaullah-Ehsan-290
Expressing their willingness for conditional peace talks with the government, the Pakistani Taliban have called for three politicians of the country to act as guarantors for its proposed negotiations with the government for putting a stop to the conflict in the tribal areas of Pakistan.

In a video interview, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesman Ehsnaullah Ehsan said that if Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif, chief of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam - Fazl (JUI-F) Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) chief Syed Munawar Hasan acted as guarantors for the talks, the group would be willing to negotiate with the government.

How should the government react to this position? Should it approach the politicians that the TTP wants to act as guarantors in order to facilitate the peace talks? What can be the implications of involving the above-mentioned politicians to act as ‘mediators’ instead?

The TTP spokesman has put forth another condition calling for the government to release Muslim Khan, Maulvi Omar and five other Taliban leaders.

Would it be wise to agree to these terms without knowing the TTP’s motive behind the proposed talks? Should a special negotiating team be set up by the government to finalise a set of conditions considered viable by both sides?

Opinion

Editorial

After the deluge
Updated 16 Jun, 2024

After the deluge

There was a lack of mental fortitude in the loss against India while against US, the team lost all control and displayed a lack of cohesion and synergy.
Fugue state
16 Jun, 2024

Fugue state

WITH its founder in jail these days, it seems nearly impossible to figure out what the PTI actually wants. On one...
Sindh budget
16 Jun, 2024

Sindh budget

SINDH’S Rs3.06tr budget for the upcoming financial year is a combination of populist interventions, attempts to...
Slow start
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Slow start

Despite high attendance, the NA managed to pass only a single money bill during this period.
Sindh lawlessness
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Sindh lawlessness

A recently released report describes the law and order situation in Karachi as “worryingly poor”.
Punjab budget
15 Jun, 2024

Punjab budget

PUNJAB’S budget for 2024-25 provides much fodder to those who believe that the increased provincial share from the...