THE Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan’s offer for holding peace talks on their terms is alarming. One must not forget the timing, as the offer for peace talks comes in the midst of heightened terrorist attacks against the state of Pakistan. It is a ploy by the TTP to buy time.

In the past, the Taliban had used peace pacts to inflict brutality under the cover of so-called Sharia.

The TTP actually intends to become a stakeholder in domestic and foreign policy spheres by holding talks with the government. Right-wing political parties are also calling for unconditional negotiations with the TTP without realising the gravity of the situation.

These developments will be detrimental, keeping in view long-term stability and peace in the region. The civilian and military leadership needs to be cautious. It is the need of the hour that the government adopts a firm approach to combat terrorism and militancy. Negotiations with the TTP will only be beneficial if it lays down its arms and renounces violence unconditionally. It is the only viable option to solve the menace of militancy and to see Pakistan as a stable country.

AAMIR KHAN KHICHI            Lahore